State determination method, state determination system, and state determination program

Abstract

To provide a state determination method for appropriately determining a deterioration state of a toothbrush.SOLUTION: A state determination method is a state determination method executed by a computer for determining a state of a bristle bundle planted on the bristle bundle planting base of a toothbrush. The state determination method acquires: a first image taken of the toothbrush in a first direction, which is a direction perpendicular to a direction that the bristle bundle extends from the bristle bundle planting base, and is a longitudinal direction of the bristle bundle planting base; and a second image taken of the toothbrush in a second direction, which is a direction perpendicular to a direction that the bristle bundle extends from the bristle bundle planting base, and is a lateral direction of the bristle bundle planting base. Also, the state determination method determines a deterioration degree of the toothbrush on the basis of the first image, the second image, and threshold information stored in a storage part beforehand. Furthermore, the state determination method displays the deterioration degree of the toothbrush.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a state determination method, a state determination system, and a state determination program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for determining the degree of deterioration of a toothbrush has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, a toothbrush timely replacement system for assisting the timely replacement of a toothbrush using a client device for users and a server device for businesses is disclosed. The toothbrush timely replacement system disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines the degree of deformation of the tufts based on an image captured by a camera unit and discriminates the recommended replacement timing of the toothbrush.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] A state determination method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a state determination method performed by a computer for determining the state of a bristle bundle planted on a toothbrush planting base, which acquires a first image of the toothbrush taken from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image of the toothbrush taken from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base, determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, and threshold information stored in a storage unit in advance, and displays the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush.

[0007] A condition determination system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a condition determination system for determining the condition of a bristle bundle planted on a toothbrush planting base, comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires a first image of the toothbrush taken from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image of the toothbrush taken from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base; a deterioration state determination unit that determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, and threshold information stored in a storage unit in advance; and a display control unit that displays the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush determined by the deterioration state determination unit.

[0008] A condition determination program according to another aspect of the present disclosure acquires a first image of the toothbrush taken from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristles planted on the toothbrush planting base extend from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image of the toothbrush taken from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristles extend from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base, and causes the program to execute a process to determine the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, and threshold information stored in the storage unit in advance, and to display the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides a condition determination method that can appropriately determine the deterioration state of a toothbrush. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an example to which the state determination system according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the state determination system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the functional configuration of the state determination system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4A] This figure shows an example of acquired information stored in the acquired information database according to this embodiment. [Figure 4B] This figure shows an example of acquired information stored in the acquired information database according to this embodiment. [Figure 4C] This figure shows an example of threshold information stored in the threshold information DB according to this embodiment. [Figure 4D] This figure shows an example of display information stored in the display information DB according to this embodiment. [Figure 5A] This figure shows an example of a guide screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 5B] This figure shows an example of a guide screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 5C] This figure shows an example of a display screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 6A] This figure illustrates the wear degree determination according to this embodiment. [Figure 6B] This figure illustrates the wear degree determination according to this embodiment. [Figure 6C] This figure illustrates the deformation degree determination according to this embodiment. [Figure 6D] This figure illustrates the deformation degree determination according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 8]It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the state determination system according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the deterioration state determination processing according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of the deformation degree determination processing according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining an example in which the state determination system according to another embodiment is applied.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description may be omitted as necessary. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (State determination system 100) The state determination system according to this embodiment is a system for determining the state such as the degree of deterioration of the bristle tufts of a toothbrush. FIG. 1 shows an example of a terminal 10 provided with a state determination system 100 (see FIG. 2) according to this embodiment and a toothbrush 20 whose state is determined by the terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the state determination system 100 determines, for example, the degree of deterioration of the bristle tufts 22 of the toothbrush 20 based on a function installed in a terminal 10 such as a smartphone.

[0013] Due to the use of the toothbrush 20, deterioration such as wear of the bristle tips and deformation of the side portions of the bristle tufts 22 occurs. The state determination system 100 according to this embodiment determines deterioration due to such wear and deterioration due to deformation of the bristle tufts 22, and enables a more accurate determination of whether the toothbrush 20 is in a usable state.

[0014] In this embodiment, the toothbrush 20 comprises a mounting base 21 and a bundle of bristles 22 mounted on the mounting base 21. The toothbrush 20 whose state is determined by the state determination system 100 according to this embodiment may be a general toothbrush that the user holds and slides in a predetermined direction to brush their teeth. Alternatively, the toothbrush 20 may be an electric toothbrush or the like that the user holds and uses vibrations powered by electricity or other means to brush their teeth.

[0015] In this specification, the direction in which the bristle bundle 22 of the toothbrush 20 shown in Figure 1 extends from the mounting base 21 is defined as the X-axis direction. In the example shown in Figure 1, the direction to the left in the view of the drawing in which the bristle bundle 22 extends is defined as the X1 direction, and the direction to the right in the view of the drawing is defined as the X2 direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the bristle bundle 22 of the toothbrush 20 shown in Figure 1 is perpendicular to the X-axis direction extending from the implantation base 21, and the longitudinal direction of the implantation base 21 is the Y-axis direction. In the example shown in Figure 1, the upward direction is the Y1 direction and the downward direction is the Y2 direction. The Y-axis direction corresponds to the first direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the bristle bundle 22 of the toothbrush 20 shown in Figure 1 is perpendicular to the X-axis direction extending from the implantation base 21, and the shorter side of the implantation base 21 is the Z-axis direction. In the example shown in Figure 1, the direction from the back to the front of the drawing is the Z1 direction, and the direction from the front to the back of the drawing is the Z2 direction. That is, the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the second direction.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a state determination system 100 installed in terminal 10.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the state determination system 100 is composed of a control unit 110, a memory unit 120, and an input / output IF 140 (interface). The state determination system 100 may also include a communication IF 130. Alternatively, the state determination system 100 may be configured as a system comprising a general-purpose microcomputer including a CPU (control unit 110), memory (memory unit 120), and input / output IF 140. In this case, the microcomputer may have a computer program installed that allows it to function as the state determination system 100. By executing the computer program, the microcomputer functions as one of the multiple information processing circuits provided by the state determination system 100.

[0020] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the multiple information processing functions of the state determination system 100 are implemented by software. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, dedicated hardware is prepared to execute each information processing function, and the information processing functions can be configured using a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) or the like. Furthermore, the system may be configured with multiple information processing functions using separate hardware.

[0021] The control unit 110 operates based on a program (not shown) stored in the memory unit 120 and executes each function of the state determination system 100. The program is not limited to being stored in the memory unit 120; for example, it may be stored in ROM (not shown) within the terminal 10. The control unit 110 includes, as shown in Figure 3, an image acquisition unit 111, a type determination unit 112, a deterioration state determination unit 113, and a display control unit 114.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 120 stores the information stored in the acquisition information DB121 (Data Base), threshold information DB122, and display information DB123 as data in the storage unit 120. Figures 4A and 4B show an example of acquisition information stored in the acquisition information DB121. Figure 4C shows an example of threshold information stored in the threshold information DB122. Furthermore, Figure 4D shows an example of display information stored in the display information DB123. Details of this acquisition information, threshold information, and display information will be described later.

[0023] Furthermore, as described above, the storage unit 120 may store programs for each function executed by the control unit 110. The information and programs stored in the storage unit 120 may be configured as areas physically or logically separated within a single storage device. Alternatively, the storage unit 120 for each data may be provided in multiple physically different storage devices.

[0024] The communication IF130 is an interface for communication between the state determination system 100 and various external devices, for example, via a wireless network. The user may update the control program of the state determination system 100 via the communication IF130. The user may also update threshold information stored in the threshold information DB122 of the storage unit 120 via the communication IF130.

[0025] The input / output IF 140 is an interface for sending and receiving information between the status determination system 100 and a screen such as a display 220 provided as an accessory device 200 of the terminal 10. For example, a user can obtain information output to the display 220 of the terminal 10 via the input / output IF 140 of the status determination system 100. Furthermore, a user can input information to the status determination system 100 via the input / output IF 140 using the touch panel function provided on the display 220 of the terminal 10.

[0026] Furthermore, image data captured by the camera 210 mounted on the accessory device 200 of terminal 10 is sent to the control unit 110 via the input / output IF 140.

[0027] (Functions of the state determination system 100) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the state determination system 100. As shown in Figure 3, the state determination system 100 includes an image acquisition unit 111, a type determination unit 112, a deterioration state determination unit 113, and a display control unit 114. The deterioration state determination unit 113 also includes a wear degree determination unit 113a and a deformation degree determination unit 113b.

[0028] The image acquisition unit 111 acquires image data captured by the camera 210 of the terminal 10 and stores it in the acquisition information DB 121. For example, the image data stored in the acquisition information DB 121 is stored in association with an image ID for identifying the image data.

[0029] Specifically, the image acquisition unit 111 acquires image data of the toothbrush 20 as a first image, which is taken from a first direction perpendicular to the direction in which the bristles 22 extend from the planting base 21 and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base 21. The image acquisition unit 111 also acquires image data of the toothbrush 20 as a second image, which is taken from a second direction perpendicular to the direction in which the bristles 22 extend from the planting base 21 and is the short direction of the planting base 21.

[0030] Figure 5A shows an example of a screen displayed on the display 220 of the terminal 10. As shown in Figure 5A, the screen displayed on the display 220 is displayed when an application installed on the terminal 10 is launched. The screen displayed in Figure 5A is a guide screen for capturing images of the bristles 22 of the toothbrush 20 in the Y-axis direction (first direction) and acquiring a first image. The user takes an image of the bristles 22 of the toothbrush 20 according to the screen displayed in Figure 5A. The captured first image is acquired by the image acquisition unit 111 via the input / output IF 140 and stored as image data in the acquisition information DB 121.

[0031] Figure 5B is the image displayed on the terminal 10's display 220 after the image shown in Figure 5A has been captured. The screen shown in Figure 5B is displayed by launching an application installed on the terminal 10, similar to the screen in Figure 5A. The screen displayed in Figure 5B is a guide screen for capturing images of the bristles 22 of the toothbrush 20 in the Z-axis direction (second direction) and acquiring a second image. The user captures an image of the bristles 22 of the toothbrush 20 according to the screen displayed in Figure 5B. The captured image data (second image) is acquired by the image acquisition unit 111 via the input / output IF 140 and stored as image data in the acquisition information DB 121.

[0032] The type determination unit 112 determines the type of toothbrush based on the image data of the toothbrush 20 stored in the acquired information DB 121 and stores it in the acquired information DB 121. In this embodiment, the types of toothbrushes determined by the type determination unit 112 are, for example, the "extra-fine" type, the "long-bristle" type, and the "regular" type.

[0033] The type determination unit 112 determines the type of toothbrush based on the characteristics of the toothbrush stored in the storage unit 120 beforehand, classifying it as either an "extra-fine" type, a "long-bristle" type, or a "normal" type. Specifically, if the toothbrush bristles acquired by the image acquisition unit 111 are thin, the type determination unit 112 classifies the toothbrush as an "extra-fine" type. If the toothbrush bristles acquired by the image acquisition unit 111 are long, the type determination unit 112 classifies the toothbrush as a "long-bristle" type. In this embodiment, if the toothbrush to be classified is neither an "extra-fine" type nor a "long-bristle" type, but falls within a predetermined range of bristle thickness and length, the type determination unit 112 classifies the toothbrush as a "normal" type. In this embodiment, the predetermined range for bristle thickness and length is predetermined by the user and stored in the storage unit 120.

[0034] Furthermore, if the type determination unit 112 cannot determine that the toothbrush to be determined is of the "extra-fine," "long-bristle," or "normal" type, it displays information (a screen) on the display 220 indicating that the toothbrush could not be recognized, as shown in Figure 5C. For example, the screen shown in Figure 5C is displayed if there is an error in the direction in which the image was taken according to the guide screen shown in Figure 5A or Figure 5B, or if the captured image does not sufficiently contain the bristle bundles 22 of the toothbrush 20 necessary for type determination.

[0035] After the user photographs the toothbrush 20 following the guide screens shown in Figures 5A and 5B, if the screen shown in Figure 5C appears on the display 220, the user presses the "Retry" button shown in Figure 5C. This causes the guide screen shown in Figure 5A to reappear on the display 220, and the user photographs the toothbrush 20 again.

[0036] Figure 4A shows an example of acquired information stored in the acquired information DB 121. Figure 4A shows an example where the type determination unit 112 determines that it is an "extra-fine" type toothbrush. Figure 4B shows another example of acquired information stored in the acquired information DB 121. Figure 4B shows an example where the type determination unit 112 determines that it is a "regular" type toothbrush.

[0037] The wear degree determination unit 113a of the deterioration state determination unit 113 calculates the length of the bristles 22 of the toothbrush 20 based on the acquired information of the toothbrush 20 stored in the acquired information DB 121, and determines the degree of deterioration. The wear degree determination unit 113a also stores the calculated bristles a in the acquired information DB 121. Figures 4A and 4B show examples of the stored bristles a for the "extra-fine" type and "normal" type toothbrushes 20, respectively. In this embodiment, the wear degree determination unit 113a determines the degree of wear based on the length of the bristles a in the second image shown in Figure 6A.

[0038] In this embodiment, the bristle length a of the bristle bundle 22 is calculated based on the ratio of the length t of the planting base 21 in the X-axis direction to the length L of the bristle length, as shown in Figure 6B. Specifically, the length t of the planting base 21 in the X-axis direction hardly changes due to wear from the use of the toothbrush 20. Therefore, if we let R be the actual length of the planting base 21 in the X-axis direction, t be the length of the planting base 21 in the X-axis direction obtained from the second image, and L be the length of the bristle length obtained from the second image, then the bristle length a can be calculated as L × R / t.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length L of the hair obtained from the second image may be the average value of multiple hair lengths obtained at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction. For example, the average value of hair lengths obtained from the first image at predetermined intervals in the Z-axis direction results in a large overlap of the hair bundles 22 in the Y-axis direction. In contrast, the average value of multiple hair lengths obtained from the second image at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction allows for the calculation of an average value for a larger number of hair lengths compared to the case of the first image, making it possible to determine the degree of wear more accurately.

[0040] The wear degree determination unit 113a determines the degree of deterioration (wear) of the bristle length a based on threshold information previously stored in the storage unit 120. Specifically, the wear degree determination unit 113a determines the degree of deterioration of the bristle length a based on thresholds Th1 and Th2 as shown in Figure 4C.

[0041] In this embodiment, threshold values ​​Th1 and Th2 in the threshold information are set to different values ​​depending on the type of toothbrush 20. For example, if the type of toothbrush 20 is "extra fine," threshold Th1 is 8.0 (mm) and threshold Th2 is 8.6 (mm). If the type of toothbrush 20 is "long bristle," threshold Th1 is 12.0 (mm) and threshold Th2 is 15.0 (mm). In this embodiment, if the type of toothbrush 20 is "normal," it is not necessary to determine the degree of wear relative to the bristle length a. For toothbrush 20 types in which the degree of wear relative to the bristle length a is not determined, threshold values ​​Th1 and Th2 in the threshold information DB122 may be left blank.

[0042] The deformation degree determination unit 113b of the deterioration state determination unit 113 calculates the amount of change in the side of the toothbrush 20 based on the acquired information of the toothbrush 20 stored in the acquired information DB 121, and determines the degree of deformation. Specifically, the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines the degree of deterioration of the bristle length a based on thresholds Th3 and Th4 as shown in Figure 4C.

[0043] In this embodiment, threshold values ​​Th3 and Th4 of the threshold information are set to different values ​​depending on the type of toothbrush 20, similar to threshold values ​​Th1 and Th2. For example, in this embodiment, if the type of toothbrush 20 is "normal", threshold Th3 is 0.5 (mm) and threshold Th4 is 0.4 (mm). If the type of toothbrush 20 is "extra fine", threshold Th3 is 0.4 (mm) and threshold Th4 is 0.3 (mm). If the type of toothbrush 20 is "long bristle", threshold Th3 is 0.7 (mm) and threshold Th4 is 0.5 (mm).

[0044] Note that the threshold values ​​Th1 to Th4 shown in Figure 4C do not limit the configuration of this embodiment, and different threshold values ​​Th1 to Th4 may be used depending on the type of toothbrush 20 and the type of bristles shown in Figure 4C.

[0045] Figure 6C is a diagram illustrating the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 of the "ultra-fine" type toothbrush 20. Figure 6D is a diagram illustrating the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 of the "regular" type toothbrush 20. In this embodiment, the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 based on the amount of change (side change) of the bristle bundle 22 in the first image shown in Figures 6C and 6D.

[0046] The side of the bristle bundle 22 can recognize a greater degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 when viewed from the Y-axis direction than when viewed from the Z-axis direction. For example, the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 in the first image shown in Figures 6C and 6D can recognize a greater degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 than the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 in the second image shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Therefore, the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 based on a first image of the toothbrush 20 taken from a first direction (Y-axis direction) which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle 22 extends from the implantation base 21 and is the longitudinal direction of the implantation base 21.

[0047] The deformation degree determination unit 113b calculates the length of the bristle bundle 22 that protrudes from the planting base 21 in the Z-axis direction as the lateral deformation amounts b and c. The deformation degree determination unit 113b also stores the calculated lateral deformation amounts b and c in the acquired information DB 121. Figures 4A and 4B show examples of the stored lateral deformation amounts b and c for the "extra-fine" type and "normal" type toothbrushes 20, respectively.

[0048] Details of the deterioration state determination process by the wear degree determination unit 113a and the deformation degree determination unit 113b of the deterioration state determination unit 113 will be described later using the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0049] The deterioration state determination unit 113 stores the determination results of the deterioration state determination process performed by the wear degree determination unit 113a and the deformation degree determination unit 113b in the deterioration state determination results corresponding to the image stored in the acquired information DB 121. The information stored in the deterioration state determination results of the acquired information DB 121 corresponds to the information stored in the display information DB 123 shown in Figure 4D.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 4D, if the result information is R1, the displayed content corresponds to "Please replace it." Similarly, if the result information is R2, the displayed content corresponds to "It's almost time to replace it." Also, if the result information is R3, the displayed content corresponds to "It's still usable." In the example shown in Figure 4A, R3 is stored in the deterioration status determination result. Also, in the example shown in Figure 4B, R2 is stored in the deterioration status determination result. Note that the displayed content stored in this display information DB123 can be registered, modified, etc. For example, if the result information is R2, it is possible to display more detailed content such as "The brush is slightly spread, but it is usable."

[0051] The display control unit 114 displays the determination result based on the deterioration state determination result stored in the acquired information DB 121. For example, if the deterioration state determination result is R1, the message "Please replace" corresponding to the display content stored in the display information DB 123 will be displayed on the terminal 10's display 220.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the judgment result shown on the display 220 of terminal 10. In the example shown in Figure 7, the deterioration state judgment result in acquired information DB121 is R2, and in display information DB123, the display content corresponding to the result information being R2 is shown as "The brush is slightly spread, but it is usable." The user can recognize the condition of the toothbrush 20 from the information displayed on the display 220 of terminal 10.

[0053] Furthermore, the display control unit 114 may display the type of toothbrush 20 determined by the type determination unit 112. By displaying the type of toothbrush 20, the user can clearly understand the type of toothbrush 20 they are using, and when the user replaces the toothbrush 20, they can be sure to replace it with the same type as the one they were previously using.

[0054] (Outline of the processing flow of the state determination system 100) Next, the process related to state determination in the state determination system 100 (state determination method) will be explained based on the flowcharts in Figures 8 to 10. The series of operations of the state determination system 100 shown in the flowcharts in Figures 8 to 10 begin when the state determination system 100 is started and end when the power is turned off. In addition to power off, the flowcharts in Figures 8 to 10 also end when an interrupt occurs indicating the end of processing. Furthermore, in the following explanation of the flowcharts, the same content as described in the explanation of the state determination system 100 above will be omitted or simplified.

[0055] In step S801, the image acquisition unit 111 acquires image data captured by the camera 210 of the terminal 10 and stores it in the acquisition information DB 121. For example, the image data stored in the acquisition information DB 121 is stored in association with an image ID for identifying the image data.

[0056] In step S802, the type determination unit 112 determines the type of toothbrush based on the image data of the toothbrush 20 stored in the acquired information DB 121 and stores it in the acquired information DB 121. In this embodiment, the types of toothbrushes determined by the type determination unit 112 are, for example, the "extra-fine" type, the "long-bristle" type, and the "regular" type.

[0057] In step S803, the type determination unit 112 determines whether the type of toothbrush 20 can be recognized from the image data acquired via the camera 210. If the type determination unit 112 determines in step S803 that the type of toothbrush 20 can be recognized from the image data acquired via the camera 210 (step S803: YES), the process proceeds to step S804. On the other hand, if the type determination unit 112 determines that the type of toothbrush 20 cannot be recognized from the image data acquired via the camera 210 (step S803: NO), the process returns to step S801 and repeats the process from step S801. In addition, if the display control unit 114 determines in step S803 that the type of toothbrush 20 cannot be recognized from the image data acquired via the camera 210 (step S803: NO), it may display an image as shown in Figure 5C.

[0058] In step S804, the deterioration state determination unit 113 determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush 20 based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 111, the type of toothbrush 20, and threshold information previously stored in the storage unit 120. In step S804, the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 9 is performed as a subroutine. Details of the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 9 will be described later. In step S804, after returning from the subroutine process shown in Figure 9, the process proceeds to step S805.

[0059] In step S805, the display control unit 114 displays the determination result based on the deterioration state determination result stored in the acquired information DB 121. After that, the process ends.

[0060] (Degradation status determination process) Next, the subroutine processing performed in step S804, shown in Figure 8, will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0061] In step S901, the wear degree determination unit 113a determines whether the type of toothbrush 20 to be determined is Type 1. Here, the type of toothbrush 20 corresponds to the information stored in the type determination result of the acquired information DB 121 shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The information in the type determination result corresponds to Type 1 to Type 3 stored in the threshold information DB 122 shown in Figure 4C. That is, if the type of toothbrush 20 is "normal", the type of toothbrush 20 corresponds to Type 1 (Type 1). If the type of toothbrush 20 is "extra fine", the type of toothbrush 20 corresponds to Type 2 (Type 2). Furthermore, if the type of toothbrush 20 is "long bristle", the type of toothbrush 20 corresponds to Type 3 (Type 3).

[0062] In other words, in this embodiment, step S901 determines whether the toothbrush 20 is of the "normal" type (first type, Type 1). If the wear degree determination unit 113a determines in step S901 that the toothbrush 20 is of the first type ("normal" type) (step S901: YES), the process proceeds to step S906. On the other hand, if the wear degree determination unit 113a determines that the toothbrush 20 is not of the first type ("normal" type) (step S901: NO), the process proceeds to step S902.

[0063] In step S902, the wear degree determination unit 113a extracts the length (bristle length a) of the brush bristles (bristle bundle 22). The process then proceeds to step S903.

[0064] In step S903, the wear degree determination unit 113a determines whether the pile length a is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1. If the wear degree determination unit 113a determines that the pile length a is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1 (step S903: YES), the process proceeds to step S904. On the other hand, if the wear degree determination unit 113a determines that the pile length a is not greater than or equal to the threshold Th1 (step S903: NO), the process proceeds to step S907.

[0065] In step S904, the wear degree determination unit 113a determines whether the pile length a is less than the threshold Th2. If the wear degree determination unit 113a determines that the pile length a is less than the threshold Th2 (step S904: YES), the process proceeds to step S905. On the other hand, if the wear degree determination unit 113a determines that the pile length a is not less than the threshold Th2 (step S904: NO), the process proceeds to step S906.

[0066] In step S905, the wear degree determination unit 113a sets the determination flag F to the value "1". The process then proceeds to step S908.

[0067] In step S906, the wear degree determination unit 113a sets the determination flag F to the value "2". The process then proceeds to step S908.

[0068] In step S907, the wear degree determination unit 113a assigns the result information to R1 and stores it in the deterioration state determination result of the acquired information DB 121. After that, the process ends and returns to step S804 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0069] In step S908, the deformation degree determination process by the deformation degree determination unit 113b is performed as a subroutine process as shown in Figure 10.

[0070] (Deformation degree determination process) Next, the subroutine processing performed in step S908, shown in Figure 9, will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 10.

[0071] In step S1001, the deformation degree determination unit 113b extracts the side change amounts b and c and stores them in the acquired information DB 121. The process then proceeds to step S1002.

[0072] In step S1002, the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines whether the lateral deformation amounts b and c are less than or equal to the threshold Th3. If the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines in step S1002 that the lateral deformation amounts b and c are less than or equal to the threshold Th3 (step S1002: YES), the process proceeds to step S1003. On the other hand, if the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines in step S1002 that the lateral deformation amounts b and c are not less than or equal to the threshold Th3 (step S1002: NO), the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0073] In step S1003, the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines whether the lateral deformation amounts b and c are less than or equal to the threshold Th4. If the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines in step S1003 that the lateral deformation amounts b and c are less than or equal to the threshold Th4 (step S1003: YES), the process proceeds to step S1004. On the other hand, if the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines in step S1003 that the lateral deformation amounts b and c are not less than or equal to the threshold Th4 (step S1003: NO), the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0074] In step S1004, the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines whether the value of the determination flag F is 2. If the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines in step S1004 that the value of the determination flag F is 2 (step S1004: YES), the process proceeds to step S1005. On the other hand, if the deformation degree determination unit 113b determines in step S1004 that the value of the determination flag F is not 2 (step S1004: NO), the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0075] In step S1005, the deformation degree determination unit 113b assigns the result information to R3 and stores it in the deterioration state determination result of the acquired information DB 121. After that, the process ends and returns to step S908 in the flowchart of Figure 9, and then returns to step S804 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0076] In step S1006, the deformation degree determination unit 113b assigns the result information to R2 and stores it in the deterioration state determination result of the acquired information DB 121. After that, the process ends and returns to step S908 in the flowchart of Figure 9, and then returns to step S804 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0077] In step S1007, the deformation degree determination unit 113b assigns the result information to R1 and stores it in the deterioration state determination result of the acquired information DB 121. After that, the process ends and returns to step S908 in the flowchart of Figure 9, and then returns to step S804 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0078] As described above, the state determination system 100 is a state determination system for determining the state of the bristle bundle 22 planted on the planting base 21 of the toothbrush 20, and comprises an image acquisition unit 111, a type determination unit 112, a deterioration state determination unit 113, and a display control unit 114. The image acquisition unit 111 acquires a first image of the toothbrush taken from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image of the toothbrush taken from a second direction which is the short direction of the planting base. The deterioration state determination unit 113 determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, and threshold information stored in advance in the storage unit 120. The display control unit 114 displays the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush.

[0079] As a result, the condition determination system 100 can determine the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 based on the first image, the second image, and threshold information, thereby appropriately determining the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 according to the type of toothbrush 20.

[0080] Furthermore, the status determination system 100 may further include a type determination unit 112 that determines the type of toothbrush based on the first and second images. The display control unit 114 may display the type of toothbrush 20 determined by the type determination unit 112. This allows the user of the status determination system 100 to understand the type of toothbrush according to the status determination result, and to recognize the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 more accurately.

[0081] Furthermore, the deterioration state determination unit 113 of the condition determination system 100 may calculate the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle 22 of the toothbrush 20 based on the first image and determine the degree of deterioration based on the degree of deformation. This makes it possible for the condition determination system 100 to determine the degree of deformation of the toothbrush 20 more accurately than when the determination is made based on images taken from the direction in which the bristle bundle 22 extends from the implantation base 21 or from the short side direction (Z-axis direction) of the implantation base 21.

[0082] Furthermore, the deterioration state determination unit 113 of the condition determination system 100 may calculate the length of the bristles 22 of the toothbrush 20 based on the second image and determine the degree of deterioration based on the bristles. This makes it possible for the condition determination system 100 to determine the degree of wear of the toothbrush 20 more accurately than when determining based on images taken from the direction in which the bristles 22 extend from the mounting base 21 or from the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the mounting base 21.

[0083] Furthermore, the condition determination system 100 may further include a type determination unit 112 that determines the type of toothbrush based on the first and second images. The deterioration state determination unit 113 determines the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 based on the first and second images, the type of toothbrush 20, and threshold information, thereby enabling a more appropriate determination of the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 according to the type of toothbrush 20.

[0084] (Other embodiments) Although these embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiments. Furthermore, it is possible to combine some or all of the various embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the state determination system 100 was illustrated as being installed in the terminal 10. This embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment, and for example, the configuration of the embodiment may be such that some of the functions of the state determination system 100 are performed on the server 40, as shown in Figure 11. For example, the configuration of the embodiment may be such that the processing of the image acquisition unit 111 and the display control unit 114 of the state determination system 100 shown in Figure 3 is performed on the terminal 10, and the processing of the type determination unit 112 and the deterioration state determination unit 113 is performed on the server 40. Alternatively, the configuration of the embodiment may be such that the processing of either the type determination unit 112 or the deterioration state determination unit 113 is performed on the server 40. In this way, by configuring the type determination unit 112 and / or the deterioration state determination unit 113 to be performed on the server 40, it becomes possible to improve the processing accuracy of the type determination unit 112 and / or the deterioration state determination unit 113 using the functions of the server 40.

[0086] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0087] (Technology 1) A condition determination method performed by a computer for determining the condition of a bundle of bristles planted in a toothbrush planting base, A first image is obtained of the toothbrush from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image is obtained of the toothbrush from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base. Based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush, and threshold information stored in the memory unit beforehand, the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush is determined. A method for determining the condition of the toothbrush, which indicates the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush.

[0088] With this configuration, the condition determination method determines the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 based on the first image, the second image, and the type of toothbrush 20. Therefore, the condition determination method can appropriately determine the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 according to the type of toothbrush 20.

[0089] (Technology 2) The condition determination method according to Technology 1, wherein the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle of the toothbrush is calculated based on the first image, and the degree of deterioration is determined based on the degree of deformation.

[0090] This configuration allows for a more accurate determination of the degree of deformation of the toothbrush 20 compared to determining the state based on images taken from the direction in which the bristle bundle 22 extends from the planting base 21, or from the shorter direction (Z-axis direction) of the planting base 21.

[0091] (Technology 3) A condition determination method according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the length of the bristles of the toothbrush is calculated based on the second image, and the degree of deterioration is determined based on the bristles.

[0092] This configuration allows for a more accurate determination of the degree of wear of the toothbrush 20 compared to determining the condition based on images taken from the direction in which the bristle bundle 22 extends from the planting base 21, or from the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the planting base 21.

[0093] (Technical 4) Determine the type of toothbrush based on the first and second images, A method for determining the degree of deterioration of a toothbrush according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush, and the threshold information.

[0094] With this configuration, the condition determination method determines the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush 20, and threshold information, thereby enabling a more appropriate determination of the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 according to the type of toothbrush 20.

[0095] (Technical 5) Determine the type of toothbrush based on the first and second images, A method for determining the state according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, which displays the determined type of toothbrush.

[0096] This configuration allows users of the condition determination method to understand the type of toothbrush based on the condition determination result. As a result, users of the condition determination system 100 can more accurately recognize the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20.

[0097] (Technology 6) A condition determination system for determining the condition of a bundle of bristles planted in a toothbrush planting base, An image acquisition unit acquires a first image of the toothbrush taken from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image of the toothbrush taken from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base. A deterioration state determination unit that determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush, and threshold information stored in a storage unit in advance, A condition determination system comprising: a display control unit that displays the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush determined by the deterioration condition determination unit; and a condition determination system that includes a display control unit that displays the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush determined by the deterioration condition determination unit.

[0098] With this configuration, the condition determination system 100 determines the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 based on the first image, the second image, and the type of toothbrush 20. Therefore, the condition determination system 100 can appropriately determine the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 according to the type of toothbrush 20.

[0099] (Technical 7) The deterioration state determination unit calculates the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle of the toothbrush based on the first image, and determines the degree of deterioration based on the degree of deformation, the condition determination system according to Technical 6.

[0100] This configuration allows the condition determination system 100 to more accurately determine the degree of deformation of the toothbrush 20 compared to determination based on images taken from the direction in which the bristle bundle 22 extends from the planting base 21 or from the shorter direction (Z-axis direction) of the planting base 21.

[0101] (Technical 8) The deterioration state determination unit calculates the length of the bristles of the toothbrush based on the second image and determines the degree of deterioration based on the bristles, the condition determination system according to Technical 6 or 7.

[0102] This configuration allows the condition determination system 100 to more accurately determine the degree of wear of the toothbrush 20 compared to determination based on images taken from the direction in which the bristle bundles 22 extend from the planting base 21 or from the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the planting base 21.

[0103] (Technical 9) The system further comprises a type determination unit that determines the type of toothbrush based on the first and second images, The deterioration state determination unit determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush, and the threshold information. This is a state determination system according to any one of techniques 6 to 8.

[0104] With this configuration, the deterioration state determination unit 113 can determine the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush 20, and threshold information, thereby more appropriately determining the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 according to the type of toothbrush 20.

[0105] (Technical 10) Further comprising a type determination unit that determines the type of toothbrush based on the first and second images, The display control unit displays the type of toothbrush determined by the type determination unit. This is a state determination system according to any one of technologies 6 to 9.

[0106] This configuration allows the user of the status determination system 100 to understand the type of toothbrush based on the status determination result. As a result, the user of the status determination system 100 can more accurately recognize the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20.

[0107] (Technical 11) A first image is obtained of the toothbrush from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundles planted on the toothbrush planting base extend from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image is obtained of the toothbrush from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundles extend from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base. Based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush, and threshold information stored in the memory unit beforehand, the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush is determined. A state determination program for causing a computer to perform a process to display the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush.

[0108] With this configuration, the condition determination program determines the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 based on the first image, the second image, and the type of toothbrush 20. Therefore, the condition determination program can appropriately determine the deterioration state of the toothbrush 20 according to the type of toothbrush 20.

[0109] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof. [Industrial applicability]

[0110] This disclosure is applicable to a condition determination system capable of appropriately determining the deterioration state of a toothbrush. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to devices and applications that determine the deterioration state of electric toothbrushes and general manual toothbrushes and suggest an appropriate replacement time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 10 devices 20 toothbrushes 100 State Determination System 110 Control Unit 111 Image acquisition unit 112 Type determination section 113 Deterioration state determination unit 113a Wear degree determination unit 113b Degree of deformation determination unit 114 Display Control Unit 120 Storage section 121 Acquisition information DB 122 Threshold Information Database 123 Display information DB 130 Communication IF 140 Input / Output Interfaces

Claims

1. A condition determination method performed by a computer to determine the condition of a bristle bundle planted in a toothbrush planting base, A first image is obtained of the toothbrush from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image is obtained of the toothbrush from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base. Based on the first image, the second image, and threshold information stored in the memory unit beforehand, the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush is determined. A method for determining the condition of the toothbrush, which indicates the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush.

2. A method for determining the state according to claim 1, comprising calculating the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle of the toothbrush based on the first image, and determining the degree of deterioration based on the degree of deformation.

3. A method for determining the state according to claim 1 or 2, comprising calculating the length of the bristles of the toothbrush based on the second image, and determining the degree of deterioration based on the bristles.

4. Based on the first and second images, the type of toothbrush is determined. The condition determination method according to claim 1, which determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush, and the threshold information.

5. Based on the first and second images, the type of toothbrush is determined. The status determination method according to claim 1, which displays the determined type of toothbrush.

6. A condition determination system for determining the condition of a bristle bundle planted in a toothbrush planting base, An image acquisition unit acquires a first image of the toothbrush taken from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image of the toothbrush taken from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundle extends from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base. A deterioration state determination unit that determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, and threshold information stored in the storage unit in advance, A condition determination system comprising: a display control unit that displays the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush determined by the deterioration condition determination unit; and a condition determination system that includes a display control unit that displays the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush determined by the deterioration condition determination unit.

7. The deterioration state determination unit calculates the degree of deformation of the bristle bundle of the toothbrush based on the first image, and determines the degree of deterioration based on the degree of deformation, the state determination system according to claim 6.

8. The deterioration state determination unit calculates the length of the bristles of the toothbrush based on the second image and determines the degree of deterioration based on the bristles, according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The system further includes a type determination unit that determines the type of toothbrush based on the first and second images, The condition determination system according to claim 6, wherein the deterioration state determination unit determines the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush based on the first image, the second image, the type of toothbrush, and the threshold information.

10. The system further includes a type determination unit that determines the type of toothbrush based on the first and second images, The status determination system according to claim 6, wherein the display control unit displays the type of toothbrush determined by the type determination unit.

11. A first image is obtained of the toothbrush from a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundles planted on the toothbrush planting base extend from the planting base and is the longitudinal direction of the planting base, and a second image is obtained of the toothbrush from a second direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the bristle bundles extend from the planting base and is the short direction of the planting base. Based on the first image, the second image, and threshold information stored in the memory unit beforehand, the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush is determined. A state determination program for causing a computer to perform a process to display the degree of deterioration of the toothbrush.

Images