Tooth brushing assistance device, tooth brushing assistance system, and tooth brushing assistance program

Abstract

To provide a toothbrushing auxiliary server, a toothbrushing auxiliary device, a toothbrushing auxiliary system and a toothbrushing auxiliary program for increasing interest in toothbrushing.SOLUTION: A toothbrush module 89 attached to a toothbrush 7 comprises a sensor 81 for detecting a physical quantity regarding a toothbrushing action of a plurality of users 9, and a radio transmission unit 82 for transmitting a radio signal indicating a physical quantity detected by the sensor 81. A toothbrushing auxiliary device 1 comprises a score calculation unit 111 for calculating a score regarding a toothbrushing action based on the physical quantity regarding the toothbrushing action of the plurality of users 9, and a ranking output unit 113 for outputting the ranking of each user determined based on the score. The toothbrushing auxiliary server 2 comprises a score acquisition unit 211 for acquiring a score regarding a toothbrushing action based on the physical quantity regarding the toothbrushing action of the plurality of users 9, and a ranking determination unit 212 for determining the ranking of each user 9 on the basis of the score.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrushing assistance device, a toothbrushing assistance server, a toothbrushing assistance system, and a toothbrushing assistance program that are used when a user brushes their teeth. [Background technology]

[0002] Maintaining oral function is important for living a physically and mentally healthy life. Dentists also recommend that people maintain adequate dental hygiene by performing proper daily oral care, including brushing their teeth, in order to extend their healthy lifespan.

[0003] Conventional techniques for assisting tooth brushing actions performed using a toothbrush include, for example, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-240760 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2011-524756 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For those who have little interest in oral hygiene, oral care is boring and they tend to neglect daily oral care. Daily tooth brushing is the basis of oral care, so there is a need to raise the interest of those who have little interest in tooth brushing.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrushing assistance server, a toothbrushing assistance device, a toothbrushing assistance system, and a toothbrushing assistance program that increase interest in tooth brushing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention for solving the above problems includes, for example, the following aspects.

[0008] (Section 1) a score acquisition unit that acquires scores related to tooth brushing actions based on physical quantities related to tooth brushing actions by a plurality of users; a ranking determination unit that determines a ranking of each user based on the score; A tooth brushing assistance server comprising: (Section 2) Each user belongs to one of several teams. Item 2. The tooth brushing assistance server according to item 1, wherein the ranking determination unit determines the ranking of each team based on the scores of users belonging to each team. (Section 3) a score calculation unit that calculates a score related to the user's tooth brushing behavior based on a physical quantity related to the user's tooth brushing behavior; a ranking output unit that outputs a ranking of each user determined based on the score; A tooth brushing aid device comprising: (Section 4) Each user belongs to one of several teams. Item 4. The tooth brushing assist device according to item 3, wherein the ranking output unit outputs a ranking of each team determined based on the scores of users belonging to each team. (Section 5) A toothbrushing assistance system comprising a toothbrush module that transmits a wireless signal, a toothbrushing assistance device according to item 3 or 4 that receives the wireless signal, and a toothbrushing assistance server according to item 1 or 2 that is communicably connected to the toothbrushing assistance device, The toothbrush module comprises: a sensor for detecting physical quantities related to tooth brushing actions by a plurality of users; a wireless transmitter that transmits a wireless signal indicating the physical quantity detected by the sensor; Equipped with The tooth brushing assist device is a wireless receiving unit that receives the wireless signal indicating the physical quantity; a score sending unit that sends the score to the tooth brushing assistance server; Furthermore, The tooth brushing assistance server includes: a ranking transmission unit that transmits the ranking to the tooth brushing assist device; A tooth brushing assistance system further comprising: (Section 6) A toothbrushing assistance program for causing a computer to function as each part of the toothbrushing assistance server according to item 1 or 2. (Section 7) Item 3. A toothbrushing assistance program for causing a computer to function as each part of the toothbrushing assistance device according to item 3 or 4. (Section 8) The score calculation unit determining a brushing position during the tooth brushing action based on the physical quantity; evaluating the technique of the tooth brushing action based on the physical quantity; Item 6. The tooth brushing assistance system according to item 5, wherein the score is calculated based on the evaluation of the brushing position and the technique. (Section 9) Item 9. The tooth brushing assistance system according to Item 8, wherein the score calculation unit adds a weight to the score based on the physical quantity. (Section 10) The score calculation unit Evaluating the cleanliness of the tooth brushing action based on the physical quantity; Evaluating the safety of the tooth brushing action based on the physical quantity; Item 9. The tooth brushing assistance system according to item 8, wherein the weight is added to the score based on the evaluation regarding the cleaning ability and the evaluation regarding the safety. (Section 11) Item 6. The tooth brushing assistance system according to item 5, wherein the score calculation unit adds a weight to the score based on information related to oral care of the user. (Section 12) Item 6. The tooth brushing assistance system according to item 5, wherein the ranking output unit outputs the ranking determined based on the highest score among the scores calculated on a specific day or period. (Section 13) the score calculation unit calculates a growth rate of the score based on the scores calculated for each of a plurality of different days or periods; Item 6. The tooth brushing assistance system according to item 5, wherein the ranking output unit outputs the ranking determined based on a plurality of the growth rates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toothbrushing assistance server, a toothbrushing assistance device, a toothbrushing assistance system, and a toothbrushing assistance program that increase interest in tooth brushing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tooth brushing assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram for explaining functions of a tooth brushing assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure in a tooth brushing assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure in a tooth brushing assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure in a tooth brushing assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a ranking screen displayed on a touch panel display of a tooth brushing assist device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals will denote the same or similar components, and therefore, redundant descriptions of the same or similar components will be omitted.

[0012] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tooth brushing assistance system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] A toothbrushing assistance system 100 according to one embodiment includes a toothbrushing assistance device 1, a toothbrushing assistance server 2, and a toothbrush attachment 8.

[0014] An overview of data processing in the toothbrushing assistance system 100 will be described. The toothbrush attachment 8 detects physical quantities related to the toothbrushing action of the user 9 and transmits wireless signals indicating the detected physical quantities to the toothbrushing assistance device 1. The toothbrush attachment 8 is attached to the toothbrush 7 and detects physical quantities related to the toothbrushing action of the user 9 using the toothbrush 7. Illustratively, the physical quantity related to the toothbrushing action is acceleration related to the toothbrushing action.

[0015] Toothbrushing assistance device 1 receives a wireless signal indicating a physical quantity related to the toothbrushing action using toothbrush 7 from toothbrush attachment 8. Toothbrushing assistance device 1 calculates a score related to the toothbrushing action by user 9 based on the physical quantity indicated in the received wireless signal, and transmits the calculated score to toothbrushing assistance server 2.

[0016] The toothbrushing assistance server 2 is communicatively connected to the toothbrushing assistance device 1 via the network 99, and acquires scores related to the toothbrushing actions of the user 9 from the toothbrushing assistance device 1. A plurality of toothbrushing assistance devices 1 are communicatively connected to the toothbrushing assistance server 2, and the toothbrushing assistance server 2 acquires and records a plurality of scores by the plurality of users 9 from the plurality of toothbrushing assistance devices 1. The toothbrushing assistance server 2 determines a ranking of each user 9 based on the acquired scores, and transmits the determined ranking to the toothbrushing assistance device 1 of each user 9.

[0017] The toothbrushing assist device 1 displays the ranking of each user 9 determined based on the scores related to the toothbrushing behavior of the user 9 on the touch panel display 15 of the toothbrushing assist device 1, as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

[0018] According to this toothbrushing assistance system 100, the ranking of each user 9 in terms of their scored toothbrushing behavior is displayed on the display screen of the toothbrushing assistance device 1. This allows the users 9 to enjoy daily toothbrushing using the toothbrush 7 as if it were a game, increasing their interest in toothbrushing. In this way, the toothbrushing assistance system 100 utilizes the competitive spirit that arises among multiple users 9 to encourage users 9 to continue brushing their teeth daily, and can increase interest in the boring daily toothbrushing of those with low interest.

[0019] [Hardware configuration and functional blocks] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the tooth brushing assistance system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] <Toothbrush attachment> The toothbrush attachment 8 is attached to the toothbrush 7 and detects physical quantities related to the toothbrushing action of the user 9 using the toothbrush 7. The toothbrush attachment 8 includes a sensor 81 and a wireless transmitter 82. Illustratively, the sensor 81 and the wireless transmitter 82 can be implemented as circuit blocks and are housed in a toothbrush module 89 together with a battery (not shown).

[0021] The sensor 81 detects a physical quantity related to the toothbrushing action by the user 9. Illustratively, the physical quantity related to the toothbrushing action is acceleration related to the toothbrushing action, and the sensor 81 can be, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration. Because the toothbrush attachment 8 is attached to the toothbrush 7, the sensor 81 can detect the physical quantity (acceleration) accompanying the movement of the toothbrush 7 as the physical quantity (acceleration) related to the toothbrushing action by the user 9 using the toothbrush 7.

[0022] Sensor 81 can detect gravitational acceleration caused by the Earth's gravity. Because toothbrush attachment 8 is attached to toothbrush 7, the posture of toothbrush attachment 8 changes in response to changes in the posture of toothbrush 7, and the direction of gravitational acceleration detected by sensor 81 changes. Therefore, the posture of toothbrush 7 can be detected from the direction of gravitational acceleration detected by sensor 81. For the sake of simplicity, hereinafter, detecting the posture of toothbrush 7 based on the direction of gravitational acceleration detected by sensor 81 will simply be referred to as "detecting the posture of toothbrush 7 by sensor 81."

[0023] Note that sensor 81 is not limited to an acceleration sensor. Sensor 81 may be a gyro sensor that detects the rotation angle and angular velocity of toothbrush 7, a magnetic compass that detects geomagnetism, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of toothbrush 7 against the teeth of user 9, a distance sensor that measures distance, a GPS that acquires location information, a microphone that acquires audio signals, or an intraoral camera (image sensor) that captures images of the oral cavity, or may include a combination of these sensors. The intraoral camera captures an image of the position of the head of toothbrush 7 in the oral cavity, and by comparing the captured intraoral image with various physical quantities detected by sensor 81, it is possible to verify which part of the teeth toothbrush 7 is in contact with in the oral cavity and correct the position of the contacting part.

[0024] The wireless transmitting unit 82 transmits a wireless signal indicating the physical quantity detected by the sensor 81. Illustratively, various wireless methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be used for wireless communication between the wireless transmitting unit 82 and the wireless receiving unit 14 of the tooth brushing assist device 1.

[0025] <Tooth brushing aid> Tooth brushing assist device 1 includes a control unit 11, a recording unit 12, a communication unit 13, a wireless receiving unit 14, and a touch panel display 15. Optionally, tooth brushing assist device 1 may further include a camera 16 and a speaker 17. Illustratively, tooth brushing assist device 1 may be configured as a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0026] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (not shown) for performing data processing, which will be described later, and a memory (not shown) used as a work area for data processing.

[0027] The recording unit 12 is a non-volatile storage device that stores an operating system (OS), various control programs, and data generated by the programs, and is composed of, for example, a flash memory, an eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0028] The communication unit 13 transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as the tooth brushing assistance server 2 via a wired or wireless network.

[0029] The wireless receiving unit 14 receives a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless transmitting unit 82 of the toothbrush attachment 8 .

[0030] The touch panel display 15 is configured to integrate the functions of a display device and an input device.

[0031] The control unit 11 includes a score calculation unit 111, a score transmission unit 112, and a ranking output unit 113. These functional blocks in the control unit 11 are realized by the CPU in the control unit 11 executing a program installed in the recording unit 12 or the memory in the control unit 11.

[0032] The score calculation unit 111 calculates a score related to the tooth brushing behavior of the user 9 based on a physical quantity related to the tooth brushing behavior of the user 9. The score can be calculated by various procedures.

[0033] The score sending unit 112 sends the calculated score to the tooth brushing assistance server 2.

[0034] The ranking output unit 113 outputs the ranking of each user 9 determined based on the score. In this embodiment, the ranking of the users 9 is determined by the tooth brushing assistance server 2.

[0035] <Tooth brushing assistance server> The toothbrushing assistance server 2 includes a control unit 21, a recording unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The control unit 21, recording unit 22, and communication unit 23 have the same hardware functions as the control unit 11, recording unit 12, and communication unit 13 of the toothbrushing assistance device 1. Illustratively, the toothbrushing assistance server 2 can be configured as a server computer.

[0036] The control unit 21 includes a score acquisition unit 211, a ranking determination unit 212, and a ranking transmission unit 213. These functional blocks in the control unit 21 are realized by the CPU in the control unit 21 executing a program installed in the recording unit 22 or the memory in the control unit 21.

[0037] The score acquisition unit 211 acquires scores related to tooth brushing actions based on physical quantities related to tooth brushing actions by multiple users 9. In this embodiment, the scores related to tooth brushing actions of each user 9 are calculated in each tooth brushing assistance device 1. The score acquisition unit 211 can grant points, which can be used as electronic money, to each user 9 based on the scores related to tooth brushing actions of the user 9 acquired from the tooth brushing assistance device 1.

[0038] The ranking determination unit 212 determines the ranking of each user based on the acquired score.

[0039] The ranking sending unit 213 sends the ranking of each user 9 determined based on the score to the tooth brushing assist device 1.

[0040] [Data processing procedure] 3 to 5 are flowcharts for explaining the procedure of data processing in the tooth brushing assistance system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The processes of steps S1 to S5 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are executed by the respective functional blocks included in the control units 11 and 21, that is, by the control units 11 and 21, respectively.

[0042] First, as preparation before using the toothbrushing assistance system 100, the toothbrush attachment 8 is attached to the toothbrush 7 and the toothbrush attachment 8 is turned on. Next, the toothbrushing assistance program (app) installed in the toothbrushing assistance device 1 is started, and a state is set up in which data communication is possible between the toothbrushing assistance device 1 and the toothbrush attachment 8.

[0043] In step S1, the toothbrushing assist device 1 receives, from the toothbrush attachment 8, a wireless signal indicating a physical quantity related to the toothbrushing action.

[0044] When the user 9 starts brushing their teeth using the toothbrush 7, the sensor 81 housed in the toothbrush module 89 detects a physical quantity related to the user 9's brushing, and the wireless transmitter 82 transmits a wireless signal indicating the detected physical quantity to the toothbrush assist device 1. The toothbrush assist device 1 receives the wireless signal via the wireless receiver 14. In this embodiment, the toothbrush assist device 1 receives the wireless signal from the toothbrush attachment 8 for a predetermined time after the user 9 starts brushing their teeth.

[0045] In step S2, a score is calculated. In this embodiment, for the purpose of visualizing the brushing skill of the user 9, the brushing position (the part of the oral cavity being brushed) during the tooth brushing action of the user 9 is determined, and the technique (quality) of the tooth brushing action is evaluated to calculate a score for the tooth brushing action of the user 9.

[0046] In step S21, the score calculation unit 111 determines the brushing position during the tooth brushing action by the user 9, based on the physical quantity indicated in the wireless signal received in step S1.

[0047] In this embodiment, the score calculation unit 111 determines the tooth brushing position of the user 9 using the toothbrush 7 based on the acceleration information acquired via the wireless receiving unit 14. The brushing position is determined to be one of five positions, for example, the lower right molar, the lower left molar, the upper right molar, the upper left molar, and the upper and lower front teeth. A method for determining the brushing position can be, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-152217. The brushing position is not limited to the example in which it is determined to be one of the above-mentioned five positions. The score calculation unit 111 may determine the brushing position to be one of four positions, for example, the lower right molar, the lower left molar, the upper right molar, and the upper left molar, or may determine the brushing position in more detail using six or more positions.

[0048] In step S22, the score calculation unit 111 evaluates the technique (quality) of the tooth brushing action by the user 9 based on the physical quantity.

[0049] The score calculation unit 111 evaluates the technique of the tooth brushing action by the user 9 based on the acceleration information acquired via the wireless receiving unit 14. As a method of evaluating the technique, for example, the number of reciprocating movements per unit time (brushing frequency) is calculated from the acceleration information, and by determining whether this number of reciprocating movements is within a predetermined appropriate number, it is possible to evaluate whether the technique is good or bad. Alternatively, it is also possible to evaluate whether the technique is good or bad by determining whether the posture of the toothbrush 7 detected by the sensor 81 is a predetermined appropriate posture.

[0050] The index indicating the evaluation of the technique can be, for example, a numerical value. For example, the value of the brushing frequency of the user 9 can be calculated in real time, and the more frequently (i.e., for a longer time) the value of the brushing frequency updated in real time falls within the appropriate frequency range, the higher the skill of the tooth brushing action of the user 9 can be determined. Similarly, the technique of the toothbrush 7 can be evaluated based on how often the value falls within the appropriate posture range.

[0051] As criteria for evaluating technique, the appropriate range of brushing frequency and the appropriate range of toothbrush 7 posture are determined in advance by, for example, a dental hygienist who has undergone brushing training and mastered ideal brushing technique, and are pre-recorded in the recording unit 12, etc.

[0052] The method for evaluating the technique of the tooth brushing action by the user 9 is not limited to the exemplified embodiment. The evaluation of the technique by the score calculation unit 111 is not limited to the example in which it is performed based on acceleration information, and may be performed based on other physical quantities such as pressure or temperature.

[0053] In step S23, the score calculation unit 111 calculates a score for the tooth brushing behavior of the user 9 based on the evaluation of the brushing position and technique.

[0054] The score calculation unit 111 calculates a score for the tooth brushing behavior of the user 9 based on the brushing position determined in step S21 and the technique of the tooth brushing behavior evaluated in step S22. The score can be calculated, for example, by calculating a score for each brushing position (for example, the above-mentioned five positions) in the oral cavity of the user 9 based on the brushing position and the evaluation of the technique of the tooth brushing behavior, and then summing up these scores for each brushing position.

[0055] For example, if the determined brushing positions are evenly distributed among the five positions described above while the user 9 is brushing their teeth, the calculated score will increase because all of the teeth in the oral cavity of the user 9 have been brushed. Conversely, if the determined brushing positions are not evenly distributed among the five positions described above, for example, if the proportion of brushing positions determined as the lower right molar is small, the calculated score will decrease because the lower right molar in the oral cavity of the user 9 has not been brushed.

[0056] Table 1 shows an example of information about the toothbrushing behavior of the user 9 that can be acquired and calculated through the toothbrush attachment 8.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] In step S3, weights are added to the scores. Step S3 is an optional step.

[0059] In step S31, the score calculation unit 111 evaluates the cleanliness of the tooth brushing action by the user 9 based on the physical quantity indicated in the wireless signal received in step S1. The index indicating the evaluation of the cleanliness can be, for example, a numerical value (for example, a real number greater than 0 and equal to or less than 1), similar to the index indicating the evaluation of the technique.

[0060] The cleaning performance is evaluated based on, for example, the brushing time, brushing position, and brush application. The brushing time is calculated as the actual brushing time while the toothbrush 7 is in use, for example, based on the time during which acceleration information is continuously received via the wireless receiving unit 14. The brushing position determined and acquired in step S21 is used. The brush application is determined, for example, by combining the brushing position with the posture of the toothbrush 7 detected by the sensor 81.

[0061] The brushing time is used for evaluation as information regarding the time spent brushing specific areas in the oral cavity (e.g., the five positions mentioned above). The brushing area is used for evaluation as information regarding specific areas in the oral cavity (e.g., the five positions mentioned above). The brush application method is used for evaluation as information regarding the angle relative to the tooth surface and the angle relative to the tooth cervical region. In other words, these three exemplary elements used for evaluating cleanliness make it possible to evaluate whether the user 9 is brushing the appropriate areas in the oral cavity, with an appropriate approach regarding the posture of the toothbrush 7, and for an appropriate amount of time, and to evaluate whether the actual tooth brushing actions by the user 9 contribute to cleanliness.

[0062] Information on the appropriate brushing time, brushing position, and brush application (angle) that is used as a standard for evaluating cleaning performance is also determined in advance, for example, by a dental hygienist who has received brushing training, and is pre-recorded in recording unit 12, etc., similar to the information used for evaluating technique.

[0063] In step S32, the score calculation unit 111 evaluates the safety of the tooth brushing action by the user 9 based on the physical quantity indicated in the wireless signal received in step S1. The index indicating the evaluation of the safety can be, for example, a numerical value (for example, a real number greater than 0 and equal to or less than 1), similar to the index indicating the evaluation of the technique.

[0064] Safety is evaluated based on, for example, brushing pressure. Brushing pressure is a physical quantity related to the tooth brushing action of the user 9, and can be obtained by the sensor 81 detecting the pressure when the toothbrush 7 is pressed against specific parts of the oral cavity (for example, the five positions mentioned above).

[0065] Brushing can damage teeth, gums, oral mucosa, etc., so brushing too hard is desirably avoided from a safety perspective. Although it depends on the user's oral condition and the physical properties (performance) of the toothbrush 7 (oral care tool), the recommended brushing pressure optimal for removing plaque is generally considered to be 150 to 300 grams. For example, the safety of the user's 9 toothbrushing action is evaluated by deducting points for the difference between the brushing pressure applied by the user 9 during toothbrushing and the recommended optimal value, and not adding any points if the brushing pressure applied by the user 9 is outside the recommended brushing pressure range (150 to 300 grams).

[0066] In step S33, score calculation unit 111 weights the score related to the tooth brushing behavior of user 9 based on the evaluation related to cleanliness and the evaluation related to safety. For example, score calculation unit 111 weights the score related to the tooth brushing behavior of user 9 obtained in step S2 by multiplying the numerical value indicating the evaluation related to cleanliness obtained in step S31 and the numerical value indicating the evaluation related to safety obtained in step S32.

[0067] In step S4, the ranking is determined. In this embodiment, the ranking of the user and the ranking of the team are determined based on the scores related to the tooth brushing behavior of the user 9 obtained in steps S2 and S3. In this embodiment, the ranking is determined based on scores (user scores or team scores) compiled over a predetermined period (for example, one week). By compiling the scores of individual users over the predetermined period, the entire tooth brushing behavior of the user 9 (for example, the number of times and time of tooth brushing) is converted into points, and the ranking is determined based on the converted points.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, multiple toothbrushing assistance devices 1 are communicatively connected to the toothbrushing assistance server 2, and the toothbrushing assistance server 2 acquires and records multiple scores by multiple users 9 from the multiple toothbrushing assistance devices 1.

[0069] The ranking determination unit 212 determines the user ranking of each user 9 based on a plurality of scores related to the tooth brushing behavior of the plurality of users 9.

[0070] Next, the ranking determination unit 212 determines the team ranking of each team based on the scores of the users 9 belonging to each team. In this embodiment, each user 9 belongs to one of multiple teams, and the team score is calculated as the average of the scores of the users 9 who are members of that team, and the team ranking of each team is determined based on the calculated team score. In this embodiment, the ranking determination unit 212 calculates the team score based on the scores of the members (users 9) belonging to that team.

[0071] In step S5, the ranking is output. Figure 6 shows an example of a ranking screen displayed on the touch panel display of the tooth brushing assist device.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, a ranking screen G1 is displayed on the touch panel display 15 of the tooth brushing assist device 1. The ranking screen G1 displays a ranking G11 of each user 9 together with the score of each user 9. The ranking G11 of each user 9 is determined based on the score related to the tooth brushing behavior of the user 9. In this embodiment, the ranking screen G1 also displays a team ranking G12 of each team together with the score of each team. The team ranking G12 of each team is determined based on the scores of the users 9 belonging to each team.

[0073] In this embodiment, the user ranking and the team ranking are determined based on the score related to the tooth brushing behavior of the user 9, but the determination of the team ranking is arbitrary.

[0074] As described above, according to the toothbrushing assistance system 100 of one embodiment, the ranking G11 of each user 9 is displayed on the ranking screen G1. This allows the users 9 to enjoy daily toothbrushing using the toothbrush 7 as if it were a game, increasing their interest in toothbrushing. By utilizing the competitive spirit that arises among multiple users 9, it is possible to encourage the users 9 to continue brushing their teeth daily, and to increase interest in daily toothbrushing, which can be boring for those with low interest.

[0075] In this embodiment, the team ranking G12 of each team is displayed on the ranking screen G1. This makes it possible to utilize the competitive spirit that arises between the teams in addition to the competitive spirit that arises between the users 9, and further increase the interest of the users 9 in brushing their teeth every day.

[0076] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described above using specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the configurations of the tooth brushing assistance system according to the other embodiments described below are the same as the tooth brushing assistance system according to the first embodiment, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0077] The manner of ranking to be determined is not limited to the user ranking and team ranking exemplified in the first embodiment. Various manners of ranking can be determined and displayed on the display screen of the tooth brushing assist device 1. By determining various manners of ranking, the user 9 can continue brushing their teeth daily without getting bored.

[0078] As another aspect of determining rankings, rankings based on high scores can be determined. That is, the ranking determination unit 212 determines the user high score ranking or the team high score ranking based on the highest score (user score or team score) calculated on a specific day or period. For example, the ranking determination unit 212 determines the ranking based on the high score calculated for each user 9 on a specific day (e.g., August 29). The ranking output unit 113 displays the determined user high score ranking or team high score ranking on the display screen of the tooth brushing assist device 1.

[0079] The rankings related to high scores may be determined and displayed instead of the user rankings and team rankings exemplified in the first embodiment, or may be determined and displayed in addition to the user rankings and team rankings.

[0080] As another aspect of determining rankings, rankings can be determined based on score growth rates. That is, the score calculation unit 111 calculates score growth rates based on multiple scores (user scores or team scores) calculated for each of multiple different days or periods, and the ranking determination unit 212 determines a user score growth rate ranking or a team score growth rate ranking based on the calculated multiple growth rates. For example, the score calculation unit 111 calculates the ratio between the average score of the first week and the average score of the sixth week as the score growth rate for a specific period, and the ranking determination unit 212 determines the rankings based on the calculated score growth rates. The ranking output unit 113 displays the determined user score growth rate ranking or team score growth rate ranking on the display screen of the tooth brushing assist device 1.

[0081] The rankings related to the rate of score growth may be determined and displayed instead of the user rankings and team rankings exemplified in the first embodiment, or may be determined and displayed in addition to the user rankings and team rankings. Furthermore, in addition to the rankings related to the rate of score growth, a ranking related to high scores, which was exemplified as another mode for determining rankings, may also be determined and displayed.

[0082] Preferably, rankings based on high scores and score improvement rates, which will be described as another aspect of determining rankings, are held as impromptu events (spontaneous projects) without prior notice to users 9. The announcement of the impromptu event can be made, for example, by the ranking determination unit 212 of the toothbrushing assistance server 2 displaying a message on the touch panel display 15 of the toothbrushing assistance device 1 via the communication units 23, 13, thereby notifying multiple users 9 who own the toothbrushing assistance device 1. Such impromptu events held on specific days or periods provide all users 9 with an opportunity to win in the rankings. This can improve awareness of tooth brushing at a level suited to each individual, even for users 9 who have little interest in tooth brushing, and encourage them to make a concrete behavioral change by brushing their teeth.

[0083] In addition to the above examples, various rankings can be determined. For example, rankings among participants can be determined by the region where the user 9 lives (for example, prefecture), by workplace, by gender, by age, etc. Such rankings can be determined by the ranking determination unit 212. Furthermore, a rank (grade) such as normal, blonde, silver, and gold can be assigned to the user 9 according to the user's past rankings.

[0084] In the above-described embodiments, the score related to the user's 9 tooth brushing behavior is weighted based on the evaluation of cleanability and the evaluation of safety. However, factors to be considered when weighting the score are not limited to these. For example, the score calculation unit 111 can weight the score related to the user's 9 tooth brushing behavior based on the oral care information exemplified in Table 2. This oral care information can be input in advance by the user 9 via the touch panel display 15 or the communication unit 13 through, for example, a questionnaire to the user 9, and recorded in the tooth brushing assist device 1. The questionnaire to the user 9 can be conducted, for example, by the ranking determination unit 212 of the tooth brushing assist server 2 displaying a message on the touch panel display 15 of the tooth brushing assist device 1 via the communication units 23 and 13, or by sending, for example, an email to the tooth brushing assist device 1, to the user 9 who owns the tooth brushing assist device 1. The questionnaire to the user 9 can be conducted periodically to raise awareness of daily tooth brushing and to raise awareness regarding tooth brushing.

[0085] [Table 2]

[0086] Such weighting of the score based on the information regarding oral care can be performed in place of the processing of steps S31 to S33, or can be performed additionally after weighting the score by the processing of steps S31 to S33.

[0087] In the above-described embodiments, the score calculation unit 111 calculates the score for the user 9's tooth brushing behavior based on the evaluation of the brushing position and technique. However, the method for calculating the score for the user 9's tooth brushing behavior is not limited to this. For example, if it is determined that the user 9 has brushed their teeth for longer than a predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes) or if it is determined that the user 9 has responded to a questionnaire from the tooth brushing assistance server 2, the score calculation unit 111 may further increase the score. Alternatively, the score calculation unit 111 may increase or limit the score depending on whether or not a tooth brushing assistance program (app) has been launched in the tooth brushing assistance device 1. Alternatively, the score calculation unit 111 may increase the score as a bonus score when the user 9 achieves a set target value. The type of target value may be, for example, the brushing time per session or per day, or the number of times teeth are brushed within a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days), and the target value may be set based on, for example, the responses to the questionnaire or the user 9's past scores regarding their tooth brushing behavior. Each user 9 can set the target value individually, so that they can set a target that suits their level and compete for scores and rankings. This can improve awareness of tooth brushing at a level that suits each individual, and encourage a concrete behavioral change such as brushing their teeth.

[0088] Furthermore, based on the score related to the tooth brushing behavior of the user 9, points that can be used as electronic money, for example, can be awarded to the user 9. This provides the user 9 with an incentive to brush their teeth, and even users 9 who have little interest in brushing their teeth can be encouraged to make a concrete behavioral change such as brushing their teeth.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, if the user 9 acquires a score equal to or greater than a predetermined value, for example, as a cumulative score, the user 9 may be awarded a medal such as normal, blonde, silver, or gold, depending on the acquired score. The medal may be awarded to the user 9 when the user 9 achieves a target set value for information related to oral care, as exemplified in Table 2, instead of the cumulative score.

[0090] In each of the above-described embodiments, the competitive spirit that arises among a plurality of users 9 is utilized by displaying the ranking of each user 9 regarding their scored tooth brushing behavior, but the scores regarding tooth brushing behavior may be converted into another index. For example, instead of displaying the ranking, the app may be another type of entertainment app, such as a board game such as a kind of backgammon, or a character development game, in which the game progresses based on the scores regarding the tooth brushing behavior of each user 9.

[0091] In each of the above-described embodiments, the score calculation unit 111 of the toothbrushing assistance device 1 calculates the score for the toothbrushing action of the user 9. However, the score for the toothbrushing action of the user 9 may be calculated by the score acquisition unit 211 of the toothbrushing assistance server 2. Furthermore, the toothbrush attachment 8 may directly transmit a wireless signal indicating a physical quantity related to the toothbrushing action to the toothbrushing assistance server 2. In this case, the toothbrush attachment 8 is previously associated with information, such as a user ID, that uniquely identifies the user 9 who uses the toothbrushing assistance device 1 in the toothbrushing assistance system 100, and the physical quantity related to the toothbrushing action is transmitted to the toothbrushing assistance server 2 along with the user ID. The toothbrushing assistance server 2 calculates a score and determines a ranking for the user 9 corresponding to the received user ID, and the toothbrushing assistance device 1 displays the ranking and score for the user 9 corresponding to the user ID received from the toothbrushing assistance server 2 on the touch panel display 15. Note that the user IDs are previously associated among the toothbrushing assistance device 1, the toothbrush attachment 8, and the toothbrushing assistance server 2.

[0092] In the above-described embodiments, the tooth brushing position of the user 9 is determined based on acceleration information detected by the sensor 81. However, the method for determining the brushing position in the oral cavity is not limited to this. For example, an image of the inside of the oral cavity while the user 9 is brushing their teeth with the toothbrush 7 is captured using, for example, the camera 16 or an intraoral camera as the sensor 81, and the captured image of the oral cavity is displayed on the touch panel display 15. A guide display indicating the brushing position may be displayed on the touch panel display 15 together with the captured image of the oral cavity, and the brushing position displayed as the guide display may be used directly to determine the brushing position. In this case, it is assumed that the user 9 is brushing their teeth while positioning the toothbrush 7 in their oral cavity in accordance with the guide display displayed on the touch panel display 15.

[0093] In the above-described embodiments, the appropriate range of brushing frequency and the appropriate range of toothbrush 7 posture, which are the criteria used to evaluate technique, are determined in advance by a dental hygienist who has mastered ideal brushing technique. However, the criteria used to evaluate technique can be changed depending on the brushing position in the oral cavity. Furthermore, the criteria used to evaluate technique can be adjusted, for example, depending on the attributes of the user 9. For example, if the user 9 is elderly (e.g., 65 years of age or older), the appropriate numerical range used to evaluate technique can be a lower brushing frequency and a longer brushing time. Furthermore, for example, if there are areas in the oral cavity that are difficult to brush due to the condition of the user 9's dentition, the criteria used to evaluate technique can be appropriately adjusted depending on the condition of the dentition. Similarly, the criteria used to evaluate technique can be appropriately adjusted depending on the state of plaque.

[0094] In the above-described embodiments, the team scores are calculated by the ranking determination unit 212 in step S4, but the team scores may be calculated in advance by the score calculation unit 111 in step S2.

[0095] In each of the above-described embodiments, the communication unit 13 and the wireless receiving unit 14 are configured separately in the tooth brushing assist device 1, but they can also be configured as an integrated unit.

[0096] In the above-described embodiments, the toothbrush 7 and the toothbrush attachment 8 are configured separately, but they can also be configured as an integrated unit. In this case, an electric toothbrush can be used as the toothbrush 7. The toothbrush 7 can also be a replacement brush for an electric toothbrush.

[0097] In the above-described embodiments, it is assumed that wireless communication between the toothbrush attachment 8 and the toothbrushing assist device 1 is online when the toothbrush attachment 8 is used. However, wireless communication between the toothbrush attachment 8 and the toothbrushing assist device 1 does not need to be always online. The toothbrush attachment 8 may include a non-volatile memory (not shown) and a microcontroller unit (not shown). When wireless communication between the toothbrush attachment 8 and the toothbrushing assist device 1 is offline, the toothbrush attachment 8 can store physical quantities related to the toothbrushing action of the user 9 detected by the sensor 81 together with, for example, timestamps (start and end times of the toothbrushing action) in the non-volatile memory. When wireless communication becomes online, for example, when a toothbrushing assist program (app) in the toothbrushing assist device 1 is launched or is running in the background, the wireless transmitter 82 of the toothbrush attachment 8 can transmit the physical quantities and timestamps related to the toothbrushing action of the user 9, which have been stored in the non-volatile memory as offline data, to the wireless receiver 14 of the toothbrushing assist device 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Tooth brushing aid 2 Toothbrushing assistance server 7. Toothbrush 8 Toothbrush attachments 9 users 11 Control section 111 Score Calculation Section 112 Score Transmission Unit 113 Ranking Output Unit 12 Recording section 13 Communications Department 14 Radio receiver 15 Touch panel display 16 Camera 17 Speaker 21 Control Unit 211 Score Acquisition Department 212 Ranking Decision Department 213 Ranking Transmission Department 22 Recording section 23 Communications Department 81 Sensors 82 Radio transmitter 89 Toothbrush Module 100 Auxiliary Systems

Claims

1. a score calculation unit that calculates a score related to the user's tooth brushing behavior based on a physical quantity related to the user's tooth brushing behavior; a ranking output unit that outputs a ranking of each user determined based on the score; Equipped with Each user belongs to one of several teams. the ranking output unit outputs a ranking of each team determined based on the scores of the users belonging to each team; the score calculation unit weights the score based on information about the user's oral care; the score calculation unit calculates a growth rate of the score based on the scores calculated for each of a plurality of different days or periods; The ranking output unit outputs the ranking determined based on a plurality of the growth rates.

2. The score calculation unit Evaluating the cleanliness of the tooth brushing action based on the physical quantity; Evaluating the safety of the tooth brushing action based on the physical quantity; The tooth brushing assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the score is weighted based on the evaluation regarding the cleaning ability and the evaluation regarding the safety.

3. A toothbrushing assistance system comprising: a toothbrush module that transmits a wireless signal; a toothbrushing assistance device according to claim 1 or 2 that receives the wireless signal; and a toothbrushing assistance server that is communicably connected to the toothbrushing assistance device, The toothbrush module comprises: a sensor for detecting physical quantities related to tooth brushing actions by a plurality of users; a wireless transmitter that transmits a wireless signal indicating the physical quantity detected by the sensor; Equipped with The tooth brushing assistance server includes: a score acquisition unit that acquires scores related to tooth brushing actions based on physical quantities related to tooth brushing actions by a plurality of users; a ranking determination unit that determines a ranking of each user based on the score; a ranking transmission unit that transmits the ranking to the tooth brushing assist device; Equipped with The tooth brushing assist device is a wireless receiving unit that receives the wireless signal indicating the physical quantity; a score sending unit that sends the score to the tooth brushing assistance server; A tooth brushing assistance system further comprising:

4. Each user belongs to one of several teams. The tooth brushing assistance system according to claim 3 , wherein the ranking determination unit determines the ranking of each team based on the scores of users belonging to each team.

5. A tooth brushing assistance program for causing a computer to function as each part of the tooth brushing assistance device according to claim 1 or 2.

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