Optical Toothbrush Motion Tracking via Hand Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and optimizing tooth brushing movements are expensive, complex, and not widely accepted due to the need for expensive sensors and complex modifications, leading to suboptimal oral hygiene and potential damage to oral cavity structures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using optical detection devices to record movement parameters of a toothbrush in relation to a moving reference system defined by characteristic body points and surfaces of the hand, allowing for precise determination of treated tooth parts and outputting cleaning features for user feedback and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive sensors are attached to the face to monitor toothbrush position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the patient's dentition including teeth, gums, and tongue geometry. This digital replica is used for simulation and analysis instead of requiring complex physical sensors on the patient's face. The optical scanner captures surface geometry which is then processed into a searchable database of anatomical features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based positioning system with an optical scanning and image processing system. Instead of using physical sensors to detect toothbrush position, the system uses optical scans of the dentition model and computational algorithms to determine brush head location and movement patterns.
2Measurement precision
If complex modifications are made to the toothbrush for optical recording, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the patient's dentition including teeth, gums, and tongue geometry. This digital replica is used for simulation and analysis instead of requiring complex physical sensors on the patient's face. The optical scanner captures surface geometry which is then processed into a searchable database of anatomical features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based positioning system with an optical scanning and image processing system. Instead of using physical sensors to detect toothbrush position, the system uses optical scans of the dentition model and computational algorithms to determine brush head location and movement patterns.
3Measurement precision
If fixed location installation is required for camera recognition, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic, searchable database of dentition geometry that can adapt to different patients and scanning conditions. The system uses configurable parameters and algorithms that can be adjusted for various oral cavity geometries, allowing the same device to be used in different locations and with different patients without fixed installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal system that can handle various types of dental treatments and monitoring requirements. The optical scanner and processing software can detect different movement patterns (brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning) and adapt to different patient anatomies, making the system versatile and location-independent.
4Productivity
If given data sets are used for analysis, then processing speed is improved, but ability to improve knowledge about tooth-brushing movements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data collection and processing during dental treatments. The system continuously scans and records movement patterns, continuously updating the database with new patient-specific geometry and treatment data. This ongoing process allows the system to learn and improve its analytical capabilities over time while maintaining efficient processing through the established database structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise monitoring and optimization of tooth brushing movements, providing immediate feedback and promoting optimal oral hygiene without the need for expensive sensors, making it accessible and affordable for widespread use.
Implementation Method 1
providing at least part of the by means of an optical detection device recorded data, in particular image data, relating to a movement parameter of a dental treatment agent
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a motion of a dental treatment means, in particular a tooth brush, resulting during a dental treatment, in particular a teeth cleaning, at least comprising the following steps: providing at least a part of the data, in particular image data, sensed by means of an optical detection device and concerning a motion parameter of a dental treatment means with respect to a reference system moving along with the head of a treated person to a processor device for determining the motion, said dental treatment means being moved at least in an X/Y plane, wherein the data represent characteristic body points of the hand surface, body lines of the hand surface, and/or body surfaces of the hand, in particular of the fingers, by means of which the dental treatment means is guided, defining a further three-dimensional reference system by means of the processor device, which further reference system moves along with the dental treatment means during a motion of the dental treatment means in space, wherein the further reference system is formed by the characteristic body points of the hand, body lines of the hand, and/or body surfaces of the hand by means of which the dental treatment means is guided, and determining the motion on the basis of the relative motion of the reference systems.