AN ORAL CARE SYSTEM FOR HYGIENE MAINTENANCE AND ORAL CAVITY DETECTION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present disclosure relates to an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection [100] comprising an elongated body [102] with a first portion and a second portion, the first portion features a scraping unit, facilitating effective cleaning of the user’s tongue, the second portion includes one or more handles allowing the user to position the first portion comfortably inside the mouth, at least one camera [104] is attached to the first portion to capture images of the user’s teeth during cleaning, at least one processor [106] communicatively coupled with the camera [104] receives and analyzes these images to determine the condition of the oral cavity, a user interface [108] provides alert notifications regarding the findings along with necessary treatment recommendations and the at least one enclosure [110] accommodates the elongated body [102] and contains a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights [112] for sterilization purposes. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2

Specification

Description:AN ORAL CARE SYSTEM FOR HYGIENE MAINTENANCE AND ORAL CAVITY DETECTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection that is capable of performing effective cleaning with diagnostic capabilities for enabling users to maintain optimal oral health along with facilitating real-time monitoring and assessment of oral conditions for providing valuable insights for both users and healthcare professionals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Maintaining oral hygiene is a fundamental aspect of overall health, and tongue cleaning plays a crucial role in this process. The tongue harbors bacteria, food particles, and debris that contributes to bad breath, plaque buildup, and even systemic health issues. Regular cleaning of the tongue helps in eliminating these unwanted substances, promoting fresher breath and reducing the risk of oral diseases. The necessity for tongue cleaning extends beyond aesthetic reasons. Studies indicate that poor oral hygiene, including neglecting the tongue, leads to various dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, the accumulation of bacteria on the tongue may impact overall health, linking poor oral hygiene to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, effective methods for cleaning the tongue are essential for maintaining both oral and systemic health.
[0003] Traditional methods of tongue cleaning often involve the use of manual scrapers or brushes. While these tools may be effective, they typically require users to have a certain level of skill and awareness to achieve optimal results. Many individuals may not know how to properly use these tools, leading to ineffective cleaning or even injury to the delicate surface of the tongue. Additionally, manual methods can be becomes uncomfortable, and users may not be motivated to incorporate them into their daily hygiene routines.
[0004] The effectiveness of conventional tongue cleaning techniques is further compromised by the inability to assess the condition of the tongue or the oral cavity during the cleaning process. Without visual feedback, users may remain unaware of the presence of bacteria or plaque buildup, resulting in a lack of motivation to maintain proper hygiene. Furthermore, traditional cleaning methods do not provide real-time monitoring of oral health, leaving individuals at risk of undetected issues that may develop into more serious conditions. The importance of tongue cleaning and the detection of oral cavity health cannot be overstated. Current practices often fall short in providing effective cleaning solutions and real-time health assessments. Addressing the limitations of traditional methods is essential for promoting better oral hygiene, enhancing user engagement, and ultimately improving overall health outcomes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection, to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection that is capable of providing an effective solution for maintaining optimal oral hygiene, specifically focusing on the cleaning of the tongue and detection of potential oral health issues.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection that is capable of enabling real-time assessment of oral health conditions through advanced imaging and analysis, allowing users to gain immediate feedback on their oral hygiene status.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection that aims to engage users in their oral care routine by making the process more informative and interactive, thereby encouraging regular usage and adherence to hygiene practices.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection that is capable of ensuring safety during usage by incorporating features that enable proper cleaning without causing discomfort or injury to the oral cavity.
[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection that incorporates effective sterilization methods to ensure the system remains hygienic between uses, enhancing overall user safety and product longevity.
[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0014] In view of the above objects, in one aspect, the current disclosure provides an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection that is a robust and novel phishing-resistant authentication tool.
[0015] The integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system of the present disclosure facilitates an elongated body designed with a first portion corresponding to the distal end and a second portion corresponding to the proximal end. The first portion includes a scraping unit attached via at least two shanks, allowing effective cleaning of the tongue. Further, one or more light emitting diode (LED) strips installed on the at least two shanks provide illumination inside the user's mouth, enhancing visibility while the system captures images using at least one camera. The second portion comprises one or more handles, enabling the user to easily position the first portion for optimal cleaning. Furthermore, the at least one processor communicatively coupled with the at least one camera, receives and analyzes the captured images to determine the condition of the oral cavity. Moreover, a user interface also linked to the at least one processor, provides alert notifications regarding the determined oral cavity condition, along with necessary treatment recommendations. The system is housed within an at least one enclosure that incorporates plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights, configured to emit UV light for sterilizing the elongated body, ensuring hygiene and safety.
[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system further comprises that the one or more handles are equipped with a solar cell, which harnesses solar energy from the surroundings, while a transducing unit converts this energy into electrical power. Lastly, a battery unit is included to store the generated electrical energy, ensuring the system remains operational.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings provided herein. For the purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection; and
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method for operating an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection.
[0020] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well- known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0022] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0023] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings are identified with the same reference numbers. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0024] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word "a" or "an" means "at least one", and the use of "or" means "and/or", unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term "including", as well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included", is not limiting. Also, terms such as "element" or "component" encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements or components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0025] Furthermore, the term "module", as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, written in a programming language, such as, Java, C, C++, python, or assembly. One or more software instructions in the modules can be embedded in firmware, such as in an EPROM. The modules described herein can be implemented as either software and/or hardware modules and can be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or other storage device. Some non-limiting examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include CDs, DVDs, BLU-RAY, flash memory, and hard disk drives.
[0026] Referring to figure 1, a block diagram of an oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection is illustrated, comprising system [100], elongated body [102], at least one camera [104], at least one processor [106], user interface [108], at least one enclosure [110], and plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights [112]. Also, all of the components/ units of the system [100] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the figures all units shown within the system [100] should also be assumed to be connected to each other. Also, in FIG. 1 only a few units are shown, however, the system [100] may comprise multiple such units or the system [100] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
[0027] The present invention introduces an innovative integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100], designed to combine the functionalities of tongue cleaning, teeth imaging, and real-time cavity detection within a single, user-friendly system [100]. The system [100] is built to enhance oral hygiene practices by incorporating both mechanical and technological elements to provide a comprehensive solution for users concerned with maintaining good oral health.
[0028] The system [100] comprises an elongated body [102] divided into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion represents the distal end, which is inserted into the user's mouth, while the second portion corresponds to the proximal end, designed for user handling and control. The elongated body [102] is ergonomically designed to ensure comfort during use, with a shape that allows easy access to all areas within the mouth. The elongated design minimizes the user's effort while ensuring precise positioning of the cleaning and at least one camera [104].
[0029] The first portion of the elongated body [102] comprises a specially designed scraping unit, which is securely attached using at least two shanks. The scraping unit is engineered to effectively clean the tongue's surface, removing bacterial deposits, food particles, and plaque. The design of the edge of the scraping unit is such that the scraping unit allows for deep cleaning without causing discomfort or damage to the tongue. The scraping unit may feature adjustable angles to ensure optimal contact with the tongue, adapting to various users' preferences. The at least two shanks that support the scraping unit are made from durable materials that resist wear and provide consistent pressure during use, ensuring long-term reliability.
[0030] The integrated oral hygiene system [100] includes one or more light-emitting diode (LED) strips that are strategically mounted on the at least two shanks adjacent to the scraping unit. The one or more light emitting diode (LED) strips are designed to provide bright, targeted illumination inside the user's mouth. The one or more light emitting diode (LED) strips help in highlighting hard-to-see areas, making easier for users to visually inspect their teeth and gums while using the device. The illumination is especially useful when the at least one camera [104], also located in the first portion, captures detailed images of the user's teeth and oral cavity. The one or more light emitting diode (LED) strips are engineered with different brightness levels for enabling the user to adjust the intensity according to their needs.
[0031] Further, the at least one camera [104] is capable of capturing multiple images of the user's teeth and surrounding oral areas while the tongue cleaning process is underway. The at least one camera [104] is equipped with advanced optics to ensure clarity and sharp focus, even in low-light conditions. The at least one camera [104] captures images in different angles to cover all regions inside the mouth, including the molars, gums, and areas under the tongue. The at least one camera [104] resolution ensures that even small cavities or irregularities in the tooth surface gets detected, providing a precise view of the user's dental health. The at least one camera [104] is protected by a moisture-resistant casing, which shields the sensitive components from exposure to saliva or water during use.
[0032] Then the captured images from the at least one camera [104] are processed by at least one processor [106], which is communicatively linked to the at least one camera [104]. The at least one processor [106] employs image processing algorithms to analyze the captured images, detecting potential signs of cavities, discoloration, cracks, or other dental abnormalities. The analysis is based on comparing the captured images with predefined reference data, enabling the at least one processor [106] to determine anomalies indicative of oral health issues.
[0033] Furthermore, after successful determination of the oral cavity, the at least one processor [106] activates a user interface [108] that is seamlessly integrated into the second portion of the elongated body [102]. The user interface [108] herein serves as the communication hub between the user and the system [100]. The user interface [108] is equipped with an easy-to-read display that shows real-time feedback during the operation of the device. The user interface [108] presents alerts regarding detected cavities, along with suggestions for further action, such as visiting a dentist or applying specific oral care routines. The user interface [108] also allows users to adjust settings, such as the brightness of the LED lights [112] or the sensitivity of the system [100]. Additionally, the user interface [108] tracks the history of previous uses, providing insights into the user's oral health trends over time.
[0034] The second portion of the elongated body [102] is designed with one or more handles that makes easy for the user to position and control the device. The one or more handles are coated with materials that ensure a non-slip grip, even in wet conditions. The one or more handles are embedded with a solar cell that is capable of harnessing solar energy from the surrounding environment. The solar cell is made from high-efficiency photovoltaic materials that captures a broad spectrum of light, including indoor lighting. This solar cell is connected to a transducing unit that converts the captured solar energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in an integrated battery unit. The battery unit has a sufficient capacity to power the one or more camera [104], one or more light emitting diode (LED) strips, at least one processor [106], and user interface [108] during multiple sessions.
[0035] Furthermore, in order to maintain hygiene, the entire elongated body [102], including the scraping unit and imaging components is stored inside at least one enclosure [110] when not in use. The at least one enclosure [110] is equipped with a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights [112] that emit short-wavelength UV light, which is highly effective in neutralizing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens on the surface of the device. The plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights [112] are arranged to ensure full coverage of the elongated body [102], including hard-to-reach crevices around the at least one camera [104] and scraping unit. The sterilization process is automatically activated when the device is placed within the at least one enclosure [110] and also set to run for predetermined durations. The UV sterilization ensures that the system [100] remains free of microbial contamination, reducing the risk of infection or cross-contamination between uses.
[0036] The invention is equipped with a communication module that enables wireless data transfer between the at least one camera [104], at least one processor [106], and the user interface [108]. The communication module supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing the system [100] to pair with external devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. Further, by means of a dedicated mobile application, users are able to view the images captured during each session, analyze their oral health progress, and even share reports with their dental care professionals.
[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method [200] of operating the integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] involves a series of systematic steps. At step [202], positioning of the first portion of the elongated body [102] via one or more handles of a second portion of an elongated body [102] inside the user's mouth. At step [204], the one or more handles of the second portion provide the necessary support for the user to accurately position the scraping unit and at least one camera [104] for cleaning the user's tongue via a scraping unit that is installed at the first portion through at least two shanks. At step [206], the scraping unit is used to clean the user's tongue while the at least one camera [104] captures one or more images of the user's teeth while cleaning of the user's tongue. At step [208], the at least one processor [106] receives the images from the at least one camera [104] and performs a detailed analysis to detect any signs of cavities. At step [210], based on the at least one or more images, the at least one processor [106] determines oral cavity. At step [212], upon detection, the user interface [108] alerts the user with a notification regarding the determined oral cavity, which may include suggestions for immediate or long-term care. At step [214], after use, the elongated body [102] is stored within the UV-equipped at least one enclosure [110], where the elongated body [102] undergoes sterilization. At step [216], after storing of the elongated body [102] within the UV-equipped at least one enclosure [110], a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights [112] installed inside the at least one enclosure [110] emits UV light to sterilize the elongated body [102].
[0038] Herein, the communication module within the system [100] ensures seamless connectivity between the at least one camera [104], at least one processor [106], and user interface [108]. The communication module allows for the efficient transfer of image data from the at least one camera [104] to the at least one processor [106] and subsequently from the at least one processor [106] to the user interface [108]. This ensures that the user receives timely notifications regarding their oral health status, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the device. The communication module also supports potential integration with external devices, such as smartphones or computers, allowing users to track their oral health over time through a dedicated application. The invention offers a comprehensive approach to oral hygiene by combining mechanical cleaning with advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities. The integration of solar energy harvesting, UV sterilization, and intelligent processing makes the device both user-friendly and environmentally sustainable. The user benefits from a multifunctional device that not only aids in daily oral care but also serves as a diagnostic tool for early detection of cavities, thus promoting better oral health management. The components work in synergy to provide a holistic solution, ensuring that the user's oral hygiene routine is enhanced with cutting-edge technology and convenience.
[0039] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
[0040] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.
[0041] The embodiments described above are intended only to illustrate and teach one or more ways of practicing or implementing the present invention, not to restrict its breadth or scope. The actual scope of the invention, which embraces all ways of practicing or implementing the teachings of the invention, is defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.
, C , Claims:CLAIMS:
1. An oral care system for hygiene maintenance and oral cavity detection [100], comprising:
an elongated body [102] having a first portion and a second portion,
wherein the first portion is installed with a scraping unit via at least two shanks,
wherein the second portion comprises one or more handles that facilitates a user to position the first portion inside the user's mouth and clean the user's tongue through the scarping unit;
at least one camera [104] attached with the first portion for capturing one or more images of the user's teeth while cleaning of the user's tongue;
at least one processor [106] communicatively coupled with the at least one camera [104], wherein the at least one processor [106] is configured to:
receive and analyse the one or more images, and
determine oral cavity based at least on the one or more images;
a user interface [108] communicatively coupled with the at least one processor [106] and configured to provide an alert notification regarding the determined oral cavity and along with necessary treatment; and
at least one enclosure [110] configured to accommodate the elongated body [102], wherein the at least one enclosure [110] comprises a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights [112] configured to emit UV light to sterilize the elongated body [102].
2. The integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion correspond to a distal portion of the elongated body [102].
3. The integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion correspond to a proximal portion of the elongated body [102].
4. The integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more light emitting diode (LED) strips each installed on the at least two shanks.
5. The integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more LED strips are configured to provide illumination inside the user's mouth while the at least one camera [104] captures the one or more images.
6. The integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more handles are installed with a solar cell that is configured to harness solar energy from surroundings.
7. The integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a transducing unit configured to convert the solar energy into an electrical energy.
8. The integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a battery unit configured to store the electrical energy.
9. A method [200] for operating the integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method [200] comprising:
positioning, via one or more handles of a second portion of an elongated body [102], a first portion of the elongated body [102] inside a user's mouth, at step [202];
cleaning, via a scarping unit installed at the first portion through at least two shanks, the user's tongue, at step [204];
capturing, via at least one camera [104] attached with the first portion, one or more images of the user's teeth while cleaning of the user's tongue, at step [206];
receiving and analysing, via at least one processor [106] communicatively coupled with the at least one camera [104], the one or more images, at step [208];
determining, via the at least one processor [106], oral cavity based at least on the one or more images, at step [210];
providing, via a user interface [108] communicatively coupled with the at least one processor [106], an alert notification regarding the determined oral cavity and along with necessary treatment, at step [212];
accommodating, via at least one enclosure [110], the elongated body [102] , at step [214]; and
emitting, via a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights [112] installed inside the at least one enclosure [110], UV light to sterilize the elongated body [102], at step [216].
10. The method [200] for operating the integrated oral hygiene and cavity detection system [100] as claimed in claim 9, further comprising connecting, via a communication module, the at least one camera [104] with the at least one processor [106].

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