BACKGROUND

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dental cleaning implements, such as, but not limited to toothbrushes. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electronic toothbrush for detecting plaque and/or calculus, automatically switching between a plurality of cleaning/brushing modes based on the detection of plaque and/or calculus, and/or communicating plaque/calculus data to a user.

Description of Related Art

[0002] Toothbrushes are designed to clean teeth by removing bio-films and food debris from teeth surfaces and interproximal regions in order to improve oral health. A wide variety of electronic toothbrush designs have been created to provide improved brushing performance by increasing the speed of the brush head and using sonic vibration, and in some cases ultrasonic vibration. Some electronic toothbrushes provide coaching methods to help guide a user to evenly brush all teeth and to coach good practices to improve overall brushing performance. Generally, electronic toothbrushes include a timer to ensure brushing takes a minimum amount of time (e.g., 2-3 minutes), regardless of the state of the teeth. An improved method involves guiding the user to divide the brushing time equally over the 4 quadrants of the teeth (i.e., front/top, front/bottom, back/top, and back/bottom) by pausing the brushing cycle briefly.

[0003] The problem with existing toothbrushes is that people get no real-time feedback.

At the start, people can assume that the toothbrush is cleaning teeth, loosing food debris and removing plaque and calculus, but once they have cleaned round the mouth, without feedback, boredom quickly sets in making them likely to stop early. Consumers need guidance to know when the toothbrush is working well. If a suitable feedback solution can be engineered together with plaque and calculus detection, people can clean much more efficiently and quickly than before, focus on problem areas, and maintain focus to finish when the teeth are perfectly clean. If a suitable solution can be created, people can clean much faster and more efficiently.

[0004] Modem toothbrushes are very efficient at removing plaque. The consumer need only brush in the problem area for a few seconds to lift off plaque that is being brushed. However, without feedback, the consumer may move on to another tooth before plaque has been completely removed and/or may continue cleaning an area longer than necessary where little plaque has accumulated. Thus, an indication of plaque levels on the teeth is highly desirable.

[0005] Despite improvements in toothbrush designs to remove plaque build-up and mature plaque leading to calculus (or tartar), it is still difficult to reach interproximal regions. Plaque disclosing dyes are available to help consumers identify areas where plaque builds up and where brushing needs to be concentrated. However, these dyes have not been well-received by consumers.

[0006] Therefore, there is an increasing need to develop toothbrushes that may identify plaque and calculus, and communicate these problem areas, in real-time and continuously, to the user, so that the user may concentrate his/her brushing/cleaning efforts in these problem areas, concentrate his/her brushing efforts to decrease the amount or level of plaque, know when to move on to other teeth or another dental area, and know when brushing is complete.

SUMMARY

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of the claimed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter nor delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a dental cleaning implement is presented. The dental cleaning implement includes a body portion, at least one sensor positioned on or about the dental cleaning implement and configured to identify plaque and/or calculus on teeth; and a feedback mechanism configured to communicate plaque and/or calculus identification information of the teeth in real-time to a user. In one embodiment, the dental cleaning implement may further include at least one activation mechanism configured to selectively and automatically activate a plurality of cleaning modes in response to the plaque and/or calculus identification information received by the feedback mechanism.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of cleaning modes include a medium clean rate mode and a low clean rate mode.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the medium clean rate mode involves a medium clean frequency or intensity to remove the plaque from the teeth.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the low clean rate mode involves a low clean intensity or frequency to perform basic cleaning of the teeth.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a further cleaning mode of the plurality of cleaning modes is a high clean rate mode that involves a high clean frequency or intensity to remove the calculus and/or the severe/mature plaque from the teeth.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, the plaque and/or calculus identification information is conveyed via images displayed on a display device to indicate a state of the teeth and guide the user to target teeth having the plaque and/or calculus. Alternatively, the plaque and/or calculus identification information is conveyed via a sound emitting mechanism or a light emitting mechanism to indicate a state of the teeth.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the feedback mechanism further includes a storage unit storing at least one audible signal and an audible processor configured to play the audible signal to audibly indicate the level of plaque detected by the sensor.

[0015] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the sensor instantaneously, in realtime, and/or continuously detects a level of plaque and the audible processor adjusts at least one parameter of the at least one audible signal based on a most recent level of plaque detected by the sensor.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, when the sensor detects a level of plaque below a threshold, the audible processor plays the at least one audible signal to audibly indicate the teeth are clean.

[0017] According to yet a further aspect of the disclosure, a method of detecting plaque and/or calculus on teeth via a dental cleaning implement having a body portion is presented. The method includes the steps of positioning at least one sensor on or about the dental cleaning implement, identifying the plaque and/or calculus on the teeth via the at least one sensor, and communicating plaque and/or calculus identification information of the teeth in real-time to a user via a feedback mechanism. In one embodiment, the method also includes the step of selectively and automatically activating a plurality of cleaning modes in response to the plaque and/or calculus identification information received by the feedback mechanism via at least one activation mechanism. The method may further include the step of guiding the user to move the dental cleaning implement to target teeth having the plaque and/or calculus. [0018] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the method may further include the steps of storing at least one audible signal, and playing the audible signal to audibly indicate the level of plaque detected by the sensor. Additionally, the method may further include the step of adjusting at least one parameter of the audible signal based on a most recent level plaque detected by the sensor.

[0019] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0021] In the figures:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a flowchart illustrating plaque and calculus detection via a toothbrush, according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a person using a toothbrush, as well as a schematic diagram of an internal configuration of a toothbrush, according to the present disclosure; [0024] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method utilizing the system depicted in Fig. 2, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a dental implement, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the dental implement of

Fig. 4, specifically, components of the feedback mechanism of the dental implement, according to the present disclosure; and

[0027] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating audible feedback based on levels of plaque detected using the feedback mechanism of Fig. 5, according to the present disclosure.

[0028] The figures depict preferred embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Although the present disclosure will be described in terms of a specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications, rearrangements and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0030] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods in which brushing/cleaning modes may be changed in response to identification of plaque and/or the identification of calculus, such that a brushing/cleaning mode is optimized. Different brushing/cleaning patterns may be easily detected by the user and feedback is provided to the user to move the dental cleaning implement (e.g., toothbrush or air floss) around the teeth, cleaning off plaque, and concentrating on problem areas to provide more efficient plaque and/or calculus removal.

[0032] In accordance with the present disclosure, an intelligent dental cleaning implement (e.g., a toothbrush or air floss) is presented that adapts its brushing/cleaning to the sensed state of the teeth. This helps guide the user around the surface of teeth during the cleaning process and focuses on detected or sensed problem areas. The focus areas of primary interest are those with plaque and/or calculus. A variety of detection methods may be incorporated into the dental cleaning implement. One skilled in the art may contemplate a plurality of different sensing mechanisms. However, in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, three primary modes of operation are proposed. These are (1) high brush rate frequency or intensity mode, e.g., ultrasonic frequencies to optimize calculus removal and/or severe plaque removal, (2) medium brush rate frequency or intensity mode, e.g., sonic frequencies to optimize plaque removal, and (3) low brush rate frequency or intensity mode, e.g., for basic cleaning, as indication that a tooth is clean (e.g., free of plaque and calculus). Optionally the dental cleaning implement may switch off once the tooth is deemed to be sufficiently clean. Optionally audio feedback may be given once the tooth is deemed to be sufficiently clean. Depending upon the ability to detect between clean teeth, and teeth with plaque and/or calculus, combinations of the above three modes of operation enhances cleaning by optimizing cleaning performance while guiding the user to focus his/her efforts on the problem areas.

[0033] In accordance with the present disclosure, combinations of both frequency and amplitude are used to adjust the brushing/cleaning to deal with the severity of the problems detected or sensed. Other embodiments are also proposed to include a "detect-only" diagnosis mode. Another embodiment may adjust the bristles during brushing/cleaning to deal more effectively with the presence of plaque and/or calculus, as discussed in detail further below.

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure.

While certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure to those described embodiments. To the contrary, reference to embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] Embodiments will be described below while referencing the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 1 depicts a flowchart illustrating plaque and calculus detection via a toothbrush, according to the present disclosure. [0037] The flowchart 100 includes the following steps. In step 1 10, when the toothbrush is first switched on it defaults to the plaque removal mode. However, one skilled in the art may contemplate defaulting to the calculus removal mode or the clean mode. The toothbrush uses its sensors to detect the presence of plaque and/or calculus on the teeth of a user. In step 120, it is determined whether calculus is detected. If calculus is detected, the process moves to step 150. In step 150, calculus removal brushing/cleaning is activated (i.e., high brush rate mode). In step 160, it is determined whether the calculus removal has timed out. If NO, then the process returns to step 120 to determine if further calculus is present. If YES, the process goes to step 130. In step 130, it is determined whether plaque is detected. If YES, the process returns to step 1 10. If NO, the process goes to step 140. In step 140, after no plaque and no calculus have been detected, the toothbrush returns to the low brush rate mode because the teeth are considered clean. The process then ends. It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, words such as "thereafter," "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps.

[0038] Therefore, according to Fig. 1 , if calculus and/or severe plaque is detected, the toothbrush immediately and automatically switches, in real-time, to the high brush frequency and/or intensity. This mode provides a more abrasive brushing/cleaning cycle to deal with calculus, which is more stubborn than plaque. When calculus is removed, the brush frequency and/or intensity is reduced to prevent damage to teeth and gums. If no such problems are detected, or when the cleaning action of the toothbrush removes the problem area, the toothbrush signals a clean tooth by switching to its low brush frequency or intensity cycle. This provides clear indication to the user to move on to another tooth or area of the mouth. If the calculus removal cycle is aggressive, a time limit on the application of this mode at any one time may be implemented to prevent damage to teeth and gums. This methodology has the advantage of guiding the user to focus on problem areas and varying the cleaning program needed depending upon specific user requirements.

[0039] Consequently, in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the toothbrush is configured to automatically switch between at least these two modes of operation in response to the plaque and/or calculus detected or sensed on the teeth. Of course, one skilled in the art may contemplate more operating modes to incorporate (such as the third mode pertaining to the high clean rate mode). Thus, the tooth cleaning process according to the present disclosure is more efficient, as the user is guided to focus his/her efforts on the teeth requiring additional attention by specifically targeting those teeth via at least one sensor.

[0040] An additional example according to the exemplary embodiments would be where the brushing/cleaning intensity is proportional to the detected plaque level, as a continuous indication, instead of having just two discrete states. Thus, the user may decide the threshold at which the tooth is clean enough and move on to the next tooth. In other words, instead of a plurality of discrete states, the exemplary embodiments may be configured to include a single continuous mode, where the user has the capability to decide at which point to move from tooth to tooth during a cleaning session based on plaque detection levels.

[0041] Fig. 2 depicts a schematic diagram 200 illustrating a person using a toothbrush, as well as an interior configuration of the toothbrush, according to the present disclosure.

[0042] In Fig. 2, a toothbrush 210 is presented including a handle portion 205 and a head portion 207. The head portion 207 may include a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. In the instant example, the head portion 207 also includes at least one sensor 220 positioned thereon. However, one skilled in the art may contemplate positioning the at least one sensor 220 on any portion of the dental cleaning implement, including the body portion.

[0043] The handle portion 205 may include an activation mechanism 230 that activates a controller 235. The controller 235 is run by an algorithm, which activates the plurality of brush modes, as discussed above, based upon a selected mode or based upon detection of plaque and/or calculus (i.e., automatically). The controller 235 communicates with the sensor 220 via a plurality of wires 237. The activation mechanism 230 may be a button actuated by a user to select one of the plurality of brushing/cleaning modes.

[0044] The controller 235 can be a processor, microcontroller, a system on chip (SOC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. Collectively the one or more components, which can include a processor, microcontroller, SOC, and/or FPGA, for performing the various functions and operations described herein are part of a controller, as recited, for example, in the claims. The controller can be provided as a single integrated circuit (IC) chip which can be mounted on a single printed circuit board (PCB). Alternatively, the various circuit components of the controller, including, for example, the processor, microcontroller, etc. are provided as one or more integrated circuit chips. That is, the various circuit components are located on one or more integrated circuit chips.

[0045] As stated above, in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, three primary modes of operation are proposed: (1) high brush rate frequency or intensity mode, e.g., ultrasonic frequencies to optimize calculus removal, (2) medium brush rate frequency or intensity mode, e.g., sonic frequencies to optimize plaque removal, and (3) low brush rate frequency or intensity mode, e.g., for basic cleaning, as an indication that a tooth is considered clean. However, it is contemplated that the second and third modes would be the primary modes, and the first mode may be an optional mode. In particular, in a preferred exemplary embodiment, the modes may be a basic cleaning mode, a plaque cleaning mode, an automatic mode of operation, and a continuous mode of operation. The continuous mode of operation may be a mode where brushing/cleaning intensity is proportional to a detected plaque level on teeth of a user.

[0046] Thus, it is also contemplated that the activation mechanism is an automatic activation mechanism that is automatically triggered, in real-time, by the detection of plaque and/or calculus on the teeth of a user. Therefore, in such instance, the user need not select a mode of operation as the mode of operation is automatically selected by the controller 235 based on the feedback received by the at least one sensor 220. However, one skilled in the art may contemplate either an automatic mode or a manual mode.

[0047] In Fig. 2, a user 250 is shown holding a toothbrush 210 of the present disclosure in front of a mirror 260. The toothbrush 210 includes the sensing mechanism 220 to detect plaque and/or calculus on the teeth of the user 250 when the user 250 is brushing/cleaning his/her teeth. Optionally, a separate display device 270 having a screen 272 may be positioned in the vicinity of the user 250. The display device 270 may wirelessly communicate with the toothbrush 210. The display device 270 may receive various information related to the degree of plaque and/or calculus detected on the teeth of the user 250. For example, as shown on the screen 272 of the display device 270, there may be a snapshot of the user's teeth illustrating specific teeth that have plaque and/or calculus. Therefore, the user is informed, in real-time, and continuously, where the issues with his/her teeth are located. By receiving this feedback in realtime, continuously, and in a visual manner, the user 250 may brush those teeth more aggressively or may activate the appropriate brushing/cleaning mode available to him/her. [0048] Moreover, the display device 270 may emit sounds (such as beeps) to indicate that plaque and/or calculus has been detected, as will be described in further detail below with reference to the embodiment described in Figs. 4-7. The sound feedback may be dependent on the degree or level of detected plaque. For example, the volume of the sounds may be different in order to indicate whether the issue with the teeth is plaque and/or whether the issue with the teeth is calculus. One skilled in the art may also contemplate positioning such sound emitting mechanism directly onto the toothbrush 210. Furthermore, the display device 270 may emit a light to indicate that plaque and/or calculus has been detected. The light feedback may be dependent on the degree or level of detected plaque. For example, a red light may be emitted to indicate that more brushing/cleaning is necessary on a certain tooth due to plaque and/or calculus. A green light may be emitted to indicate that the tooth is clean and more brushing/cleaning is unnecessary. One skilled in the art may contemplate a plurality of different visual or audible configurations to relay or convey information to a user in a continuous and/or automatic manner.

[0049] Of course, the display device 270 may display all available modes. For example, the display device 270 may display a basic cleaning mode, a plaque cleaning mode, an automatic mode of operation, and a continuous mode of operation, where the continuous mode of operation may be a mode where brushing/cleaning intensity is proportional to a detected plaque level on teeth of a user.

[0050] Fig. 3 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method utilizing the system depicted in

Fig. 2, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0051] In Fig. 3, the flowchart 300 includes the following steps. In step 310, a toothbrush is provided having a handle portion and a brush head portion with bristles extending therefrom. In step 320, at least one sensor is positioned on the brush head portion of the toothbrush. In step 330, the plaque and calculus on the teeth is identified via the at least one sensor. In step 340, the plaque and/or calculus identification information is communicated in real-time to the user via a feedback mechanism. In step 350, a plurality of brushing/cleaning modes are selectively and automatically activated in response to the plaque and/or calculus identification information received by the feedback mechanism via at least one activation mechanism. In step 360, the user is guided to move the toothbrush to target teeth having the plaque and calculus. The process then ends. It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, words such as "thereafter," "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps.

[0052] In an additional embodiment, detection of plaque and/or calculus is indicated by emitting a clearly identified sound via a sound emitting mechanism, as will be described in further detail with reference the embodiments of Figs. 4-7. These sounds may be caused by vibrating the toothbrush or issuing a separate sound or different volume to indicate not only the presence of plaque and/or calculus but also the amount detected. One skilled in the art may contemplate a plurality of different configurations involving audible and visual cues to the user in a continuous and/or automatic manner.

[0053] In another embodiment, calculus removal may be aided by the exposure of a region of the toothbrush with harder bristles. This may be achieved by the mechanical action of extending bristles from within the brush head, and/or the retraction of softer bristles optimized for plaque removal. In other words, the head portion of the toothbrush may include one or more regions with hard, medium, and soft bristles. As the sensor 220 (see Fig. 2) senses a region of plaque, the medium bristles may be adapted and dimensioned to extend further out than the other bristles. Similarly, as the sensor 220 senses a region of calculus, the hard bristles may be adapted and dimensioned to extend further out than the other bristles. Therefore, a mechanism may be provided within the toothbrush to enable the selective extension and/or retraction of regions of bristles based on the sensed condition on the teeth of the user.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the toothbrush automatically adjusts the intensity of a brush rate based on real-time feedback as to the degree of plaque and/or calculus detected or sensed. Thus, as the level of the problem area diminishes, so does the intensity of the brushing/cleaning, which should level out as the effect on the brushing/cleaning area stabilizes.

[0055] In another embodiment, as discussed in Fig. 2, a separate screen may be provided that is wirelessly connected or that wirelessly communicates, in real-time, with the toothbrush to enable coaching of brushing/cleaning. This may provide accurate indication of the presence of plaque and/or calculus. Optionally, it may also display images inside the mouth of teeth and gums during the brushing/cleaning process so that the user may see the action of the toothbrush as it performs cleaning.

[0056] In another embodiment the brush may be put in a "detect-only" mode where the toothbrush is used only to detect the location and severity of plaque and/or calculus where the brushing/cleaning effect is switched off or reduced to a minimal level. In other words, as the toothbrush moves around from tooth to tooth within the mouth of the user, the brushing/cleaning mode automatically switches on only when plaque and/or calculus is detected or sensed, thus enabling targeted brushing/cleaning.

[0057] In another embodiment, a physical indication of plaque may be enabled by using a sliding button (e.g., for the thumb) on the handle of the toothbrush. This is physically moved into one of the three positions by the toothbrush to indicate plaque level, but also controls the speed of brushing/cleaning. Moreover, it allows the user to override the toothbrush speed, should the user encounter an area he/she thinks needs more cleaning or is sensitive. It also provides a little resistance if the user forces the cleaning speed to be different in order to move to the correct or appropriate speed. Therefore, a user may manually control the brushing/cleaning speeds of the dental cleaning implement based on the user's determination of cleanliness of a tooth.

[0058] Referring now to Figs. 4-7, a specific embodiment of a dental implement, such as a toothbrush, is illustrated and described. With particular reference to Fig. 4, a dental implement 1100, also referred to herein as a toothbrush 1 100, is illustrated which includes a body portion 11 10, a brush head 1120, and a feedback mechanism 1200. The feedback mechanism 1200 is configured to sense or detect the amount or level of plaque and/or calculus on teeth instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously, and generate an audible signal based on the level of plaque and/or calculus detected. Since the level of plaque and/or calculus detected is constantly changing due to the cleaning of the teeth or movement of the dental implement 1 100 to a different area of the mouth, the feedback mechanism 1200 instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously changes at least one parameter of the audible signal generated to indicate the amount or level of plaque and/or calculus present or detected. In this regard, the audible signal heard by the user changes based on the changes in the levels of plaque/calculus detected as the user is cleaning his/her teeth. For example, in the beginning of a cleaning session, the audible signal generated or played by the feedback mechanism 1200 has a high volume, and near the end of the cleaning session, the audible signal generated has a low volume.

[0059] In an embodiment, a display or user interface may be positioned on the toothbrush

1100. On completion of the brushing, the toothbrush 1 100 can perform a short animation, sound or video clip appropriate to the user on the toothbrush display to reward good brushing performance (e.g., the image of a footballer showing a clever ball skill). Optionally alternative videos may be displayed for poor performance, or premature termination of brushing prior to completion (e.g. a footballer trying a skill, tripping on the ball and falling).

[0060] In an embodiment, the brushing performance can be monitored instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously during brushing and can be relayed to a separate display, for example, a mobile phone display over a wireless link. The toothbrush 1 100 could also be supplied with open APIs (application programming interfaces) to relay brushing data to a smartphone app over a wireless link to enable a game app on the smartphone to set targets to motivate brushing.

[0061] Turning now to Fig. 5, feedback mechanism 1200 is shown with particular detail including sensor 1201, microprocessor 1203, ROM/storage unit 1205, RAM 1207, audible processor 1209, amplifier 1211 , and audible device 1213. In particular, the feedback mechanism 1200 of electric toothbrush 1100 is configured to provide instantaneous, real-time, and/or continuous audible feedback regarding the presence of plaque and/or calculus. The toothbrush 1100 has embedded sensors 1201 that can indicate the presence of plaque and/or calculus instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously. A more detailed description of an example of sensors which may be used in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,894,620 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, it is envisioned that the embodiments described herein may utilize other sensors, not particularly described, that acquire plaque/calculus levels or amounts.

[0062] The digital data received from sensors 1201 is converted into suitable audible signals, by a suitable processor 1203 and amplified, via amplifier 1211 , to be transmitted by an audible device 1213, such as a loudspeaker, on the toothbrush 1 100. In particular, either or both of microprocessor 1203 and/or audible processor 1209 receives the digital data indicative of the level or amount of plaque from the sensors, and based on the received data, plays an audible signal that is stored in the ROM 1205. The amplifier 121 1 receives the audible signal played by the audible processor 1209 and amplifies the volume/level of the audible signal. The audible device 1213 emits a sound corresponding to the at least one audible signal played by the audible processor 1209 and/or amplified by the amplifier 1211.

[0063] Although all of the components of feedback mechanism 1200 are shown as being elements of feedback mechanism 1200, it is appreciated that feedback mechanism 1200 may include some or all of the elements shown and described. For example, in embodiments, feedback mechanism 1200 may include a wireless transmitter which transmits signals to a separate mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, which processes and plays the audible signals received from the feedback mechanism 1200.

[0064] Continuing with reference to Figs. 4 and 5, the main embodiment is for a toothbrush 1100 that describes the level of plaque and calculus on teeth using audible signals delivered by an embedded loudspeaker, or a loudspeaker in a computing device, such as a smartphone, where the audible signal is transmitted thereto, for example, via the Bluetooth communication protocol. Sound is a very powerful indicator that people use naturally in their daily lives to perform various tasks (e.g. knowing when to change gear in a car using the tone of the engine). The choice of a suitable analogous situation that is familiar to people is applied by feedback mechanism 1200 to guide people to clean their teeth better.

[0065] Examples of audible signals and sounds that may be used may vary between the users. For example, the sound of gravel being sucked up through a nozzle could be analogous to showing that a certain level of plaque has been detected and cleaned at a particular instance. The size of the gravel could be used to correspond to the depth of the plaque or calculus, such that areas that are difficult to shift are similar to larger stones in that they take slightly longer to suck up. Alternatively, a user may prefer the sound of an electric shaver cutting off loose hairs, with the sound of the density and roughness of bristles clipped being indicative of the plaque being removed.

[0066] Additionally, the user may wish to choose different sound effects, different types of musical genre, etc. to represent the level of plaque and/or calculus detected. This can be enabled by providing a range of different profiles that describe the ranges of sounds created to represent the level of plaque and calculus detected. In embodiments, completely different sounds can also be associated with plaque from the sounds associated with calculus.

[0067] Referring the Fig. 5, ROM 1205 may store different sound profiles corresponding to different users, or different sound profiles that may be selected by a single user. In particular, ROM 1205 could contain the different sound profiles selected by the user, used to program the audible processor 1209. The sounds profiles may correspond to a group or type of audible signal to be played. Real-time sensor readings from the plaque sensor 1201 could indicate the instantaneous plaque levels under the brush head or amplitude and plaque, calculus resistance values. As described above, these values can be delivered by the microprocessor 1203 to the audible processors 1209, where the sound is adapted to the frequency and amplitude that meets the selected profile with the real-time output amplified and output through an audible device 1213, such as a loudspeaker.

[0068] In embodiments, users may define the profiles by recording their own audible signals for the representation of levels of plaque and/or calculus detected. In this regard, the user may record their own audible signals, or sounds, and store them in ROM 1205 for future selection. In an additional embodiment, users may download audio signals, sounds, or sound profiles onto toothbrush 1100 for storage in ROM 1205. The ROM 1205 associates the stored audible signals, sounds, etc. with a particular user of the dental implement 1 100.

[0069] The dental implement 1100 can include identification means for identifying the particular user of the dental implement 1100. The processor 1203 can then identify the stored audible signals, sounds, etc. corresponding to the particular user identified by the identification means. The identification means can include an RFID tag embedded in a removable brush head 1120.

[0070] Turning now to Fig. 6, a method for detecting levels of plaque/calculus and playing audible signals based on the detected levels of plaque/calculus detected is illustrated and shown as method 1300. Although the methods described herein are illustrated and described as including particular steps in a specific order, it is appreciated that any of the methods described herein may include additional or fewer steps than described, and may be carried out in any order other than the order specifically described.

[0071] Method 1300 begins with step 1301. In step 1301, plaque/calculus sensor 1201 detects the levels and/or amount of plaque in the area of teeth being brushed. Once a level and/or amount is detected, in step 1303 feedback mechanism 1200 looks up the audible signal selected in the user preferences for the user operating the toothbrush 1 100. As described above, ROM 1205 may store a plurality of audible signals for selection by a user.

[0072] In step 1305, feedback mechanism 1200 analyzes the level of plaque detected in step 1301 and plays the audible signal corresponding to the audible signal looked up in step 1303. More particularly, the audible signal in step 1305 is based on the level detected in step 1301. For example, where the level of plaque detected in step 1301 is high, the audible signal may be played at a high volume, and where the level of plaque detected in step 1301 is low, the audible signal may be played at a lower volume, or vice versa. In this regard, a user will know that the dental area is clean, and the level of plaque for that dental area is low, when the audible signal is playing at a low volume or when there is no audible signal playing. Also, a user will know that a dental area is not clean, and the level of plaque for that dental area is high, when the audible signal is playing at a higher volume. In addition to the volume being adjusted, or alternative to the volume being adjusted, the audible signal played may be changed based on the level of plaque detected. In some embodiments, step 1305 may include changing at least one parameter of the audible signal played.

[0073] In step 1307, feedback mechanism 1200 determines if the level of plaque detected in step 1301 is below a threshold. The threshold level may be preconfigured by a user, preconfigured by a manufacturer, or may be automatically adjusted by feedback mechanism 1200. When the level of plaque is determined to be below a threshold (YES in step 1307), method 1300 proceeds to step 1309. If the level of plaque is not below the threshold (NO in step 1307), the method 1300 reverts to step 1301 where a new level of plaque is detected such that the audible signal played in step 1305 may be adjusted and/or changed (in step 1305) based on the new level of plaque detected.

[0074] In step 1309, a new sound is played indicating that the dental area, tooth, or teeth being sensed for levels of plaque is/are clean. This may be indicative for a user to move the toothbrush to a new or different dental area, or if all other dental areas/teeth are clean, that brushing is complete. Although described as playing a new sound, it is envisioned that step 1309 may include changing at least one parameter of the sound that is already being played. [0075] The advantages of the present disclosure are achieved by monitoring plaque levels within the mouth, instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously informing the user of the level of plaque detected, to improve brushing performance. In some embodiments, further advantages are achieved by storing data corresponding to plaque levels during and after brushing, using brushing history and plaque level history to set achievable targets to motivate users to improve brushing performance, and gradually raising targets as users gain experience.

[0076] The advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be achieved by using sensors to detect performance and motivate positive behavior in the use of a consumer product and to use the operation of the device to provide real-time feedback. These basic principles may be extended to other consumer products where real-time guidance and feedback is required, or may be helpful, in order for the user to optimally use the product in order to achieve his/her personal objectives, for example, through teeth whitening, taking diabetes shots, correct use of an inhaler, electric shavers, personal grooming, and any other products.

[0077] In general, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure specifically relate to dental implements, such as toothbrushes or airfioss. However, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be broadened or applied by one skilled in the art to include professional dental examination devices, whereby presence of plaque may be revealed by images, sound or vibration frequency and intensity. This is applicable in fields such as dentistry, dental hygiene, and tooth whitening.

[0078] In summary, the technical features of the present disclosure include detecting the level of plaque and/or calculus on a tooth or area of teeth and switching between different brushing/cleaning modes to improve the performance of the toothbrush, and varying the brushing/cleaning modes in terms of their frequency of vibration of the toothbrush and/or brushing/cleaning intensity or both to provide feedback to the user of plaque/calculus detection toothbrush. The technical features further include allowing the mode of brushing/cleaning (e.g., speed of vibration or audio feedback) to provide a clear indication to the user of the state of each tooth. Another technical feature includes conveying plaque and/or calculus detection information by using displayed images, indicating sound type or volume, or light color or intensity on the toothbrush. The amount of plaque and/or calculus may also be indicated using the intensity of volume of sound or length of vibration intensity change. Another technical feature includes using a separate display to convey the presence of plaque and calculus using the above methods. A further technical feature includes incorporating a "detect-only" mode, where the user is able to review cleaning after brushing/cleaning is completed to enable the user to guide the toothbrush around the mouth, thus actively and dynamically searching for any other of plaque and/or calculus remaining. Another technical feature includes lengthening the brushing/cleaning cycle to correspond to specific cleaning requirements.

[0079] The advantages of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the following: providing tooth by tooth coaching to optimize brushing/cleaning, thus focusing on problem areas, providing a clear indication of a state of teeth based on a brushing/cleaning mode, which includes frequency and brushing/cleaning amplitude (intensity), sounds, vibration or visual indication, providing better plaque and calculus removal by optimization of the brushing/cleaning method, and varying brushing/cleaning cycles based on a level of brushing/cleaning required.

[0080] In general, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure specifically relate to toothbrushes. However, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be broadened by one skilled in the art to include professional dental examination devices, whereby presence of plaque and particularly calculus may be revealed by images, sound or vibration frequency and intensity. This is applicable in fields such as dentistry, dental hygiene, and tooth whitening.

[0081] The foregoing examples illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure and practice of the methods of the present disclosure. The examples are not intended to provide an exhaustive description of the many different embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, although the foregoing present disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize readily that many changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing form the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.