Toothbrush providing past brushing performance

Abstract

A toothbrush is provided that provides an indication of a user's past brushing performance. In particular, a position sensor determines which oral surfaces of the user are engaged by the cleaning elements of the toothbrush. Feedback elements integrated with the toothbrush then provide an indicator of the stored past brushing performance values ​​that correspond to the oral surfaces engaged by the cleaning elements. In this way, feedback regarding past tooth brushing sessions can be conveyed to the user without the need for an external display. Furthermore, this also reduces the possibility of confusion by the user regarding the identification of oral surfaces that may require modification of brushing behavior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of oral care, and more particularly to providing past brushing performance by a toothbrush.

Background Art

[0002] Many people do not perform oral care as effectively as they should. For example, it is typical for people to apply the wrong pressure when brushing their teeth. In fact, in many cases, people brush their teeth for too long or not long enough. This problem can be exacerbated for individual teeth because some areas of the mouth may be ignored during a brushing session.

[0003] Recently, applications and corresponding devices have been developed that provide feedback regarding brushing behavior measured by sensors. Such feedback is essential to provide a means of guiding the user to brush their teeth optimally. The feedback is provided during a brushing session and reacts in real time to the user's brushing motion. Alternatively, feedback can also be provided by a user interface after a brushing session.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, feedback applications use a visual representation of the teeth on a display to provide feedback regarding brushing parameters for each tooth (e.g., applied pressure and brushing time). However, compared to the teeth observed through a mirror, the visual representation usually reverses the left and right sides of the mouth.

[0005] WO2021 / 044129A1 discloses a toothbrush that includes a direction signal indicating the oral region to be brushed. This device provides the user with feedback regarding the brushing pressure applied to, or previously applied to, each of a plurality of different regions of the mouth.

[0006] US2021 / 112965A1 discloses a toothbrush system in which feedback is displayed on an external device after brushing, indicating how effectively different regions of the mouth have been brushed.

[0007] US2019 / 008270A1 discloses a toothbrush system in which feedback regarding brushing performance is provided to an external device in the form of a dental map by a dentist, or via optical segments on the toothbrush. **Means for Solving the Problem**

[0008] The present invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush according to claim 1.

[0010] The toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to provide the user with feedback regarding brushing performance / parameter values (e.g., applied pressure, brushing time, ignored regions, etc.) during previous brushing sessions. Providing the user with feedback is essential for guiding the user on how to effectively brush their teeth. While real-time feedback regarding current brushing performance values may be important for providing the user with feedback regarding current brushing, the present invention provides feedback regarding past (previous) brushing sessions, and as a result, the user's undesirable habits can be broken and good habits can be strengthened.

[0011] Furthermore, by integrating the feedback element with the toothbrush (for example, physically connecting it to the toothbrush), an external display is not required. Such an external display may not be easily accessible to the user or may be too difficult for the user to understand. For example, the feedback element may be configured to provide an indicator of the stored past brushing performance values by means of sensory means (such as light, sound or touch). Such sensory means are easier for the user to understand than a graphical user interface and can also accommodate users who have difficulty seeing.

[0012] Furthermore, graphical representations of the user's teeth with feedback regarding previous brushing performance are generally difficult to understand. This is because the visual representation of the teeth is from the "dentist's perspective", whereas the user may observe their teeth in a mirror (which is reversed left to right). Therefore, the user may have difficulty understanding which tooth corresponds to the tooth specified in the advice given by the graphical user interface. This problem can be overcome by embodiments of the present invention via the provision of an indicator of the stored past brushing performance values corresponding to the oral surfaces contacted by the cleaning element.

[0013] In other words, embodiments of the present invention relate to a toothbrush configured to provide an indication of the user's past brushing performance. In particular, the oral surfaces of the user engaged by the cleaning elements of the toothbrush can be determined by a position sensor. Subsequently, a feedback element integrated with the toothbrush can provide an indicator of the stored past brushing performance values corresponding to the oral surfaces engaged by the cleaning elements. In this way, feedback regarding previous brushing sessions can be communicated to the user without the need for an external display. Furthermore, this can reduce the likelihood of confusion for users who may need to change their brushing motion for effective brushing with respect to the identification of oral surfaces.

[0014] In some embodiments, the indicator can have one of a predetermined set of discrete sensory output states of the sensory output means. Since the indicator can have a discrete set of outputs, the user can feel it is easier to interpret the stored past brushing performance values conveyed by the indicator. In fact, the sensory output means can also be simplified.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sensory output means can include a light source configured to provide an indicator of past brushing performance values.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sensory output means may include a sound source configured to provide an indicator of past brushing performance values.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sensory output means can include a tactile source configured to provide an indicator of past brushing performance values.

[0018] By providing the sensory output means as a light source, a sound source or a tactile source, a simple means can be provided to convey the stored past brushing performance values to the user. One or more of these sources can be easily integrated into the toothbrush. For example, one or more LEDs can be used as the light source, a small speaker can be used as the sound source, or a small motor can be used as the vibration / tactile source.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to compare the past brushing performance values with one or more performance thresholds and, based on the comparison, control a feedback element to provide an indicator of the past brushing performance values. In this way, the user can easily understand the stored past brushing performance values conveyed by the indicator of the feedback element. The performance thresholds can be adjusted / customized for the user and can vary from tooth to tooth. Therefore, the feedback provided by the embodiments of the present invention may be more suitable for the user.

[0020] In some embodiments, the past brushing performance values have a plurality of pressure values, and each pressure value indicates the loading force applied to the cleaning element by engagement with the oral surface during a previous brushing session. An important measure in evaluating tooth brushing performance can be the force / pressure applied by the cleaning element to the tooth surface. If brushing is too strong, the teeth or gums may be damaged. Conversely, if brushing is too gentle, the teeth or gums may not be cleaned sufficiently. Therefore, providing an indicator of past pressure values is particularly useful in effectively guiding the user on how to brush.

[0021] In some embodiments, the past brushing performance values have a plurality of time values, and each time value indicates the elapsed time spent by the cleaning element engaging with the oral surface during a previous brushing session. The amount of time spent brushing each individual oral surface can be an important measure in determining the effectiveness in brushing performance. Prolonged brushing may damage the teeth or gums. Conversely, insufficient brushing may not clean the teeth or gums sufficiently. Therefore, providing an indicator of the historical value of the time spent brushing per tooth is particularly useful in effectively guiding the user on how to brush.

[0022] In some embodiments, the past brushing performance values can include the brushing performance values obtained during a previous predetermined time period. The past time period can be defined. This is because a toothbrushing session quite a while ago may be less relevant than the most recent toothbrushing session. Thus, by defining a predetermined time period, only the most relevant information can be stored. This can reduce the memory required by embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] In some embodiments, the predetermined time period can be a plurality of previous brushing sessions, the cumulative amount of previous brushing time, or the previous few days.

[0024] In some embodiments, the oral surface may have the user's individual teeth. By defining the oral surface as individual teeth, past brushing performance values can be stored for each tooth and thus can be used to provide the user with information about individual teeth. This may help train the user to avoid some teeth being ignored during a brushing session.

[0025] In some embodiments, the oral surface has sections of the user's individual teeth. In fact, a user may effectively brush the front side of the teeth but ignore the back side. Thus, in order to provide effective feedback to the user, the individual sections of the teeth need to be described separately.

[0026] In some embodiments, the memory module may be configured to store past brushing performance values corresponding to the user's oral surface for a plurality of different brushing performance types. The toothbrush may further have a selection interface configured to receive from the user the type of brushing performance. The processor may be configured to control a feedback element to provide an indicator of the stored past brushing performance value corresponding to the received brushing performance type. In other words, the user can select the parameter for which feedback is desired. For example, the user may wish to be provided with an indicator of past brushing performance values corresponding to the pressure applied to the teeth. Alternatively, the user may wish to be provided with an indicator of past brushing performance values corresponding to the time spent brushing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the toothbrush can further include a pressure sensor configured to sense the loading force applied to the cleaning elements by engagement with each of the surfaces of the user's oral cavity, and the memory module can be configured to store past brushing performance values including the sensed loading forces applied to the cleaning elements by each of the surfaces of the user's oral cavity during a brushing session. Accordingly, the toothbrush can record a plurality of past brushing performance values, including the sensed loading force (applied pressure), for use in providing future feedback to the user. Updating the past brushing performance values can ensure that the feedback to the user is up-to-date and accurate.

[0028] In some embodiments, the toothbrush can further include a clock module configured to determine the length of time the cleaning elements are engaged with each of the surfaces of the user's oral cavity, and the memory module can be further configured to store past brushing performance values including the determined length of time the cleaning elements are engaged with each of the surfaces of the user's oral cavity during a brushing session.

[0029] Furthermore, the toothbrush can record a plurality of past brushing performance values, including the time spent brushing, for use in providing future feedback to the user. Updating the past brushing performance values can ensure that the feedback to the user is up-to-date and accurate.

[0030] In some embodiments, the toothbrush can be operable in a brushing state in which the vibration source causes vibration of the cleaning elements and a non-brushing state in which the vibration source is inactive. The processor can be configured to control the provision of an indicator of past brushing performance only when the toothbrush is in the non-brushing state.

[0031] Accordingly, the user can receive feedback in the form of an indicator of past brushing performance values before a brushing session. Alternatively or additionally, the provision of an indicator of past brushing performance may be when the toothbrush is in a brushing state.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing an indication of a user's past brushing performance as claimed in claim 14.

[0033] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described hereinafter and will be described with reference to the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] For a better understanding of the present invention and to more clearly show how it may be realized, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are only illustrative.

[0036] The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] The detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present 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. 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.

[0038] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study 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. Where the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the specification, the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0039] 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.

[0040] Implementations in accordance with the present disclosure relate to various techniques, methods, schemes, and / or solutions related to generating an extended clinical note by inserting an identifier of the location of target object information into a clinical note. According to the proposed concept, a plurality of possible solutions can be implemented individually or jointly. That is, these possible solutions are described individually below, but two or more of these possible solutions can be implemented in one or another combination.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a concept for providing an indication of a user's past brushing performance. More specifically, when the cleaning elements of a toothbrush are moved over one or more oral surfaces of the user, the processor fetches past brushing performance values corresponding to the oral surfaces proximate to the cleaning elements and generates an indicator based on the past brushing performance values. The indicator is communicated to the user via a feedback element having a sensory output means suitable for providing the indicator.

[0042] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide a means for communicating feedback regarding a user's previous brushing session without the need for an external display. This can be achieved by a feedback element integrated with the toothbrush. The feedback element is controlled by a processor that acquires past brushing performance values related to the oral surfaces (e.g., applied pressure, brushing time) and generates an indicator based on the past brushing performance values.

[0043] In this way, feedback regarding a previous brushing session can be communicated to the user without the need for an external display. This can be seen to be particularly advantageous since many users do not have access to an external display or prefer not to bring such a display into the bathroom.

[0044] Furthermore, this also reduces the likelihood of confusion regarding the identification of oral surfaces by users who may need to change their brushing actions. This is because typical solutions require a graphical representation of the user's teeth, which is inverted with respect to what the user sees in the mirror.

[0045] In fact, other typical feedback elements integrated with the toothbrush respond to the currently measured brushing parameters (i.e., the pressure currently applied) and provide feedback in real time. Conversely, embodiments of the present invention relate to conveying information regarding previous / past brushing performance from previous / past brushing sessions. Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide the user with information useful for guiding and enhancing long-term habits.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a user interface 120 is shown that provides feedback 130, 140 on brushing performance to the user according to the prior art.

[0047] Specifically, an application 120 is provided that gives feedback 130, 140 regarding the brushing behavior measured by the sensor. The feedback 130, 140 is provided during or after the brushing session. Such feedback 130, 140 is essential for guiding people to optimally brush their teeth. For example, the application 120 can indicate teeth that were brushed with too much or too strong pressure during the current or last session, or over the past 30 days.

[0048] However, typical feedback solutions, including the application or other forms of graphical representation of the user's teeth, have the following drawbacks.

[0049] (i) The solution requires a physical display device 110 (such as a smartphone) that can provide a visual representation. However, many users may not have such a device 110 or may not bring the device 110 into the bathroom during the brushing session. Furthermore, smart mirrors are not widely adopted. Therefore, a solution that provides feedback 130, 140 on past brushing performance without requiring a display 110 would be highly beneficial.

[0050] (ii) The graphical representation in which the teeth are provided has the right and left sides swapped (the right side is shown on the left and vice versa). This can be particularly confusing when using the graphical representation while observing the teeth in a mirror. This is because the mirror shows the right side of the mouth to the right, while the application 120 shows the right side of the mouth to the left (i.e., the standard view for a dentist). Thus, the indication of which teeth the feedback 130, 140 applies to can be unclear.

[0051] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome these problems by providing a feedback element integrated with a toothbrush. In some embodiments, this is by adding a small lamp (e.g., an LED) to the toothbrush. In this case, the color of the light can be used to indicate whether the teeth have been brushed with too much / too little pressure (or for too long / too short a time) in a past session or over the past n days. Thus, the color of the light indicates whether the oral surface (tooth or section of tooth) has been brushed with too much / too little pressure (or for too long / too short a time) just by moving the brush head (cleaning element) along the teeth.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a feedback mode based on the pressure applied by the user during a toothbrushing session according to aspects of an exemplary embodiment. This may be in the form of different colors 210, 220 (represented by different shades of the boxes). When the toothbrush head contacts a tooth that was brushed with too much pressure in a previous session, the feedback element can provide light of a first color 210. Conversely, when the toothbrush head contacts a tooth that was brushed with too little pressure in a previous session, the feedback element can provide light of a second color 220.

[0053] Since the light provided by the feedback element can be reflected by the mirror, the user does not need to look at the toothbrush. The user can also choose for the feedback element to provide a color representing / indicating other brushing characteristics such as the brushing time.

[0054] Figure 3 shows information that can be stored in a memory module according to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a toothbrush having a pressure sensor, a time sensor, and a position sensor can be provided. The sensors can be used to measure and determine the brushing pressure and brushing time per tooth. This information can be stored in a memory module in the form of past brushing performance values.

[0056] The past brushing performance values can be stored in the form of a repository. As shown in Figure 3, the repository can store the brushing pressure and brushing time of the last session, the average values for the past n days (e.g., 30 days) per tooth, and the upper and lower threshold values for the brushing pressure and brushing time. In the specific example shown in Figure 3: (i) In the last session, the surface "#1, outer" was brushed for 1.0 second with a pressure of 210 grams; (ii) Over the past 30 days, the surface "#1, outer" was brushed on average for 2.1 seconds with an average pressure of 205 grams; (iii) The upper and lower threshold values for the brushing pressure are 200 grams and 150 grams, the brushing times are 2.2 seconds and 1.8 seconds respectively; and (iv) The 30-day averages above the threshold are shaded from bottom left to top right, and the 30-day averages below the threshold are shaded from top left to bottom right.

[0057] Furthermore, in such a case, a mechanism (e.g., a physical button on the toothbrush) can be provided so that the user can select what the brush should display (the brushing pressure of the last session, the average brushing pressure over the last n days, the brushing time of the last session, or the average brushing time over the last n days) when moving the brush head along the teeth.

[0058] Finally, when the toothbrush is not operating in the brushing mode, the user can simply move the brush head along the teeth. The position sensor measures the position, and the feedback element can provide colored light indicating whether the teeth at this position are being brushed with too much / too little pressure (or for too long / too short a time).

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 4, a simplified block diagram of a toothbrush 300 configured to provide an indication of a user's past brushing performance according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The toothbrush 300 can include a cleaning element 310, sensing means 320 including a position sensor, a memory module 330, a feedback element 340, and a processor 350. Optionally, the sensing means 310 of the toothbrush 300 can further include a pressure sensor and a clock module. Additionally, the toothbrush 300 can also have a selection interface 360.

[0060] The position sensor 320 is configured to determine the position of the cleaning element 310 of the toothbrush 300. In other words, the position sensor 320 is suitable for determining where in the user's mouth the cleaning element 310 of the toothbrush 300 is located. Thus, the position sensor 320 can be integrated with the cleaning element 310 of the toothbrush 300, but can also be realized distally from the cleaning element 310. For example, the position sensor 320 can have a gyroscope and an acceleration sensor, or can be an external means such as a camera system.

[0061] Furthermore, the cleaning element 310 of the toothbrush 300 can have a plurality of cleaning elements (e.g., bristles). However, the cleaning element 310 can be any means suitable for cleaning teeth.

[0062] The memory module 330 is configured to store past brushing performance values corresponding to the user's oral surface. In other words, the memory module 330 is configured to store information regarding previous brushing sessions performed by the user. The past brushing performance values may be obtained from brushing using the toothbrush 300 itself, or may be obtained from another device for obtaining past brushing performance values (e.g., another toothbrush, or an evaluation by a dentist).

[0063] In some embodiments, the memory module 330 is configured to store past brushing performance values corresponding to the user's oral surface for a plurality of different brushing performance types. For example, the past brushing performance values can include past pressure applied by the cleaning element or past brushing time.

[0064] The memory module 330 may be integrated with the toothbrush 300. Alternatively or additionally, the memory module 330 can be stored in an external device.

[0065] In fact, the past brushing performance values can have a plurality of pressure values, each pressure value indicating the load force applied to the cleaning element 310 by engagement with the oral surface during a previous brushing session. Alternatively or additionally, the past brushing performance values can also have a plurality of time values, each time value indicating the elapsed time spent for the cleaning element 310 to engage with the oral surface during a previous brushing session. However, the past brushing performance values are not limited to this, and can include any information related to the effectiveness of brushing.

[0066] Furthermore, the past brushing performance values can include the brushing performance values obtained during a past predetermined time period. The predetermined time period can be a plurality of previous brushing sessions, the cumulative amount of previous brushing time, or the past few days. The predetermined time period may be absolute among users, or may depend on the user or the user's selection.

[0067] The oral surface may be different sections of the user's set of teeth. For example, the oral surface has upper left teeth, upper right teeth, lower left teeth, and lower right teeth. Alternatively, the oral surface may be more specific. In fact, the oral surface can have the user's individual teeth. Furthermore, the oral surface can have the individual tooth sections (the chewing portion, outer portion, and inner portion of each tooth) of the user. Of course, the larger the granularity of the oral surface, the more complex the positioning becomes and the larger the memory of the memory module needs to be. However, increasing the granularity also means that the feedback information to the user increases.

[0068] Next, the provided feedback element 340 is integrated with the toothbrush and has a sensory output means. Thus, the feedback element 340 is connected to the toothbrush. Therefore, an external device for providing feedback regarding past brushing performance may not be necessary.

[0069] The sensory output means can have at least one of a light source, a sound source, or a tactile source configured to provide an indicator of past brushing performance values. Therefore, the sensory output means can be an LED, a speaker, or a vibration element. In fact, those skilled in the art will understand that the sensory output means can be any device that can be integrated with the toothbrush and at the same time provide an indicator to the user.

[0070] Based on the output from the position sensor 320, the processor 350 is configured to determine the oral surface of the user engaged by the cleaning element 310 of the toothbrush 300. Thus, the processor 350 can be operably connected to the position sensor.

[0071] Furthermore, the processor 350 is configured to control the feedback element 340 to provide an indicator of stored past brushing performance values corresponding to the oral surface engaged by the cleaning element 310. In some embodiments, the indicator has one of a predetermined set of discrete sensory output states of the sensory output means. Thus, the processor 350 can be operably connected to the feedback element 340 and the memory module 330 and control the feedback element 340 to output the indicator to the user.

[0072] More specifically, the processor 350 can compare past brushing performance values with one or more performance thresholds. Next, based on the comparison, the processor 350 can control the feedback element 340 to provide an indicator of the past brushing performance values. As an example, the one or more performance thresholds can have an upper threshold and a lower threshold. When the past brushing performance value corresponding to the oral surface (proximate to the cleaning element 310) exceeds the upper threshold or falls below the lower threshold, the processor 350 can control the feedback element 340 to provide a first or second indicator. Thus, the user can receive feedback regarding past brushing performance.

[0073] However, there may be only one threshold, or there may be two or more thresholds. For example, there may be different severity thresholds for the deviation of the past brushing performance value from the desired value.

[0074] In some embodiments, the toothbrush 300 can be operable in a brushing state where the vibration source causes the cleaning element 310 to vibrate and a non-brushing state where the vibration source is inactive. In this case, the processor 350 can be configured to control the provision of an indicator of past brushing performance only when the toothbrush 300 is in the non-brushing state. Alternatively, the processor 350 can be configured to control the provision of an indicator of past brushing performance only when the toothbrush 300 is in the brushing state. In fact, the processor 350 can be configured to control the provision of an indicator of past brushing performance only when the toothbrush 300 is in any state or in a state specified by the user.

[0075] Furthermore, the toothbrush 300 can optionally have a selection interface 360 configured to receive a brushing performance type from the user. The selection interface 360 can be any means suitable for integration with the toothbrush 300 and can allow user input such as a button. Alternatively, the selection interface 360 can be provided by another device such as a smartphone.

[0076] When the selection interface 360 is provided, the processor 350 can be further configured to control the feedback element 340 to provide an indicator of stored past brushing performance values corresponding to the received brushing performance type. In other words, the selection interface 360 can enable the user to select the type of past brushing performance value for which the indicator is provided. For example, the user can choose to receive an indicator regarding the brushing pressure in the last brushing session, the brushing time in the last brushing session, the average brushing pressure over the past 30 days, or the average brushing time over the past 30 days.

[0077] Finally, the sensing means 320 of the toothbrush can optionally further include a pressure sensor and / or a clock module. The pressure sensor can be configured to sense the loading force applied to the cleaning element 310 by engagement with each oral surface of the user. The clock module can be configured to determine the length of time that the cleaning element 310 is engaged with each oral surface of the user.

[0078] When a pressure sensor is provided, the memory module 330 can be configured to store past brushing performance values including the sensed loading force applied to the cleaning element 310 by each of the user's oral surfaces during a brushing session. When a clock is provided, the memory module 330 can be further configured to store past brushing performance values including the determined length of time that the cleaning element 310 is engaged with each of the user's oral surfaces during a brushing session. Thus, updated past brushing performance values are obtained.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram 400 of a method for providing an indication of a user's past brushing performance according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0080] In step 410, the oral surface of the user engaged by the cleaning element of the toothbrush is determined. This can be determined by any sensing means integrated with or external to the toothbrush.

[0081] In step 420, past brushing performance values corresponding to the oral surface of the user are obtained.

[0082] The past brushing performance values can have any information related to the quality of brushing in the user's previous brushing sessions. For example, the past brushing performance values can include the applied pressure and brushing time for each oral surface.

[0083] In step 430, feedback means integrated with the toothbrush is controlled to provide an indicator of past brushing performance values of the oral surface corresponding to the oral surface engaged by the cleaning element, where the indicator has a sensory output.

[0084] One processor or other unit can perform the functions of a plurality of items recited in the claims.

[0085] The computer program 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.

[0086] The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used advantageously.

[0087] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art of carrying out the invention claimed in the claims, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "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. Where a computer program is described above, it may 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 it may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems. It should be noted that, where the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the specification, 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.

[0088] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products 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 related functions, 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 implemented by a special purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or acts, or that executes a combination of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0089] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toothbrush that provides an indication of a user's past brushing performance, a position sensor that determines the position of the cleaning element of the toothbrush, a memory module that stores past brushing performance values corresponding to the user's oral surface, a feedback element integrated with the toothbrush, the feedback element including sensory output means, and a processor, wherein the processor determines the user's oral surface engaged by the cleaning element of the toothbrush based on the output from the position sensor, and controls the feedback element to provide an indicator of the stored past brushing performance value corresponding to the oral surface engaged by the cleaning element, the toothbrush being operable in a brushing state in which a vibration source causes vibration of the cleaning element and a non - brushing state in which the vibration source is inactive, the processor controlling the provision of the indicator of the past brushing performance when the toothbrush is moved along the user's oral surface when the toothbrush is in the non - brushing state. A toothbrush.

2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the sensory output means indicates one of a predetermined set of discrete sensory output states.

3. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensory output means has a light source that provides the indicator of the past brushing performance value.

4. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensory output means has a sound source that provides the indicator of the past brushing performance value.

5. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensory output means has a tactile source that provides the indicator of the past brushing performance value.

6. The processor compares the past brushing performance value with one or more performance thresholds, and controls the feedback element to provide the indicator of the past brushing performance value based on the comparison. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the past brushing performance value has a plurality of pressure values, each pressure value indicating the load force applied to the cleaning element by engagement with the oral surface during a previous brushing session.

8. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the past brushing performance value has a plurality of time values, and each time value indicates the elapsed time spent for the cleaning element to engage with the oral surface during a previous brushing session.

9. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the past brushing performance value includes a brushing performance value obtained during a predetermined past time period, and optionally, the predetermined time period is a plurality of previous brushing sessions, the cumulative amount of previous brushing time, or previous days.

10. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oral surface has the user's individual teeth, and optionally, the oral surface has sections of the user's individual teeth.

11. The memory module stores past brushing performance values corresponding to the user's oral surface for a plurality of different brushing performance types. The toothbrush further has a selection interface for receiving a brushing performance type from the user. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor controls the feedback element to provide an indicator of the stored past brushing performance value corresponding to the received brushing performance type.

12. The toothbrush further has a pressure sensor for sensing the load force applied to the cleaning element by engagement with each oral surface of the user. The toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the memory module stores past brushing performance values including the sensed load force applied to the cleaning element by each of the user's oral surfaces during a brushing session.

13. The toothbrush further has a clock module for determining the length of time during which the cleaning element is engaged with each of the user's oral surfaces. The toothbrush according to claim 12, wherein the memory module stores past brushing performance values including the determined length of time during which the cleaning element is engaged with each of the user's oral surfaces during a brushing session.

14. In a method for providing an indication of a user's past brushing performance, a toothbrush is operable in a brushing state in which a vibration source causes vibration of a cleaning element and a non-brushing state in which the vibration source is inactive, and the method includes: In the non-brushing state, determining the oral surface of the user engaged by the cleaning element of the toothbrush; Obtaining past brushing performance values corresponding to the oral surface of the user; Controlling feedback means integrated with the toothbrush to provide an indicator of past brushing performance values of the oral surface corresponding to the oral surface engaged by the cleaning element when the toothbrush is moved along the oral surface of the user, the indicator including a sensory output.

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