[Paper] Tongue-Cleaning Simulator for Oral Care Assistance

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of a sensor-integrated biological model and simulator to aid in the acquisition of oral care techniques for preventing aspiration pneumonia. The system specifically targets tongue cleaning, an area where simulator development remains largely unexplored. To address this gap, a tongue-shaped elastic tactile sensor array was proposed, enabling real-time feedback during practice. A flexible sensor-display integrated device was developed using a conductive elastomer-based pressure detection mechanism. The sensor array successfully detected pressure within the expected range. Subsequently, a simulation system was implemented, allowing users to practice tongue cleaning with real-time pressure feedback, tongue condition visualization, and performance evaluation. Data collected from academic conferences and care facilities confirmed the simulator's effectiveness in skill enhancement, although challenges remain in accurately replicating tongue softness. To overcome this limitation, a novel conceptual tongue structure that balances softness and sensitivity was proposed, and its characteristics were evaluated and validated.