JP4475923B2 - Diagnostic camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dental caries situation in the oral cavity, a defect part, a lesion part, a calculus or plaque adhesion situation, a root canal part, a gum, a cheek, a tongue lesion part, or an otolaryngological diagnosis, a rectum In particular, the present invention relates to a technique that can diagnose not only the surface condition of a diagnostic object such as a tooth but also the internal condition close to the surface to some extent. is there. In addition, it is not limited to use only by doctors, and it is also suitable as a diagnostic camera for home use that can be used for checking the appearance of teeth, caries, and the adhesion status of tartar and plaque at home. .

For example, a diagnostic imaging device for diagnosing the inside of the oral cavity needs to be put in the mouth and operated, so that the imaging means portion must be configured compactly. In other words, conventionally, such a diagnostic imaging device has a light source that irradiates light to a diagnostic object, a CCD imaging means, and the like arranged in a very small size at the tip of a main body held and supported by fingers. For example, the structure shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-047092 Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-073531 JP 09-189659 A

  The intraoral imaging apparatus according to the prior art described in Patent Document 1 is elongated as a whole and has a thin tip, so that it can be easily inserted into the oral cavity and white LEDs are used as illumination light. It is possible to take an image while brightly illuminating the inside of the oral cavity, and has an advantage that it is possible to easily take an image of a desired portion in a narrow oral cavity.

  However, in such an intraoral imaging apparatus, the surface condition of the teeth and the oral cavity can only be imaged under irradiation with visible light (wavelength of about 380 to 760 nm), and the situation inside the surface layer and dental caries It was not possible to accurately grasp the adhesion status of tartar. Therefore, in order to know the state of caries, defects, cracks, and calculus attached to the surface of living tissue such as invisible teeth, X-ray photography has conventionally been used, and there is a risk of X-ray exposure. It was.

  The prior art described in Patent Document 2 is a device that irradiates teeth with excitation light of 360 to 580 nm and detects fluorescence of 620 nm emitted from the carious portion, as shown in (a) to (c) below. There was a serious problem. That is, (a) a light guide for irradiating the teeth with light is necessary. (B) Although it is possible to determine whether a specific part is caries or healthy, only detection information obtained when irradiation with excitation light of a specific wavelength can be obtained. It cannot be used for explanation. In other words, it was a detection of a local carious site, and it was not possible to obtain image information that could determine the relative caries status in the whole tooth image. (C) Image processing using a plurality of images such as a visible light image and an excitation image cannot be performed.

  The prior art described in Patent Document 3 discloses a diagnostic device that detects fluorescence of 670 to 800 nm by using excitation light of 600 to 670 nm to detect caries, dental plaque, bacterial infection, and the like. In addition to the above problems (b) and (c), there were also the following defects (d) and (e). That is, (d) various types of irradiation light such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light cannot be irradiated by one apparatus, and naturally, a plurality of irradiation lights cannot be irradiated at the same time. Irradiation with irradiation light is also impossible. (E) There is no suggestion of a technical idea that the main mechanisms such as the irradiation unit, the filter, and the image input unit are arranged in a compact manner in a head so as to be compact.

  As described above, there is a lot of room for improvement in any of the conventional technologies, there is no X-ray exposure, it is easy to handle, and the internal conditions such as teeth are timely grasped and diagnosed. A device that can be used has been desired. Therefore, the object of the present invention has been made in view of the above, and is suitable for photographing a diagnosis target existing in a narrow location such as in the oral cavity, and not only the adhesion status such as tartar and plaque on the tooth surface. The diagnostic imaging device capable of recognizing the state of caries inside the portion close to the surface layer to be diagnosed is provided as a compact and easy to handle without X-ray exposure.

The diagnostic imaging device according to the invention of claim 1 includes a handpiece-shaped main body operable by fingers and an LED attached to a front side portion of the main body, and includes excitation light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. An irradiating unit capable of irradiating one or more light beams having a specific wavelength and white light, an imaging unit mounted on a front side portion of the main body, and a control box , the imaging unit including the irradiating unit Receiving light reflected from the diagnostic object and / or fluorescence generated from the diagnostic object when light from the diagnostic object is irradiated, and outputting predetermined diagnostic image information, A solid-state imaging device; and an optical means for forming an optical image to be diagnosed on the solid-state imaging device, the optical means comprising a light-receiving filter that passes only light in a specific wavelength range, Filter for imaging A position close to the light receiving portion of stage, the mounted on the front side portion of the body, the body or the control box, to record and store the diagnostic image information captured by the imaging means as a still image Image storage means is provided, and the image storage means performs imaging by the imaging means each time the irradiation switch having a different wavelength is selectively irradiated by executing a time sequence specified in advance by operating a photographing switch. An automatic imaging control means for sequentially storing the stored diagnostic images in a memory included in the image storage means is provided. Here, the solid-state imaging device means a CCD, a MOS, or the like.

The diagnostic imaging device according to the invention of claim 2 is the diagnostic imaging device according to claim 1,
The optical means further includes an optical path changing means for changing an optical path of light emitted from the diagnosis target .

The invention according to claim 3, in diagnostic imaging as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tip side portion, a head portion including the optical path changing means, and is capable separated into a base portion including the solid-state imaging device It is characterized by that.

A fourth aspect of the present invention, the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tip side portion is provided with a removable attachment which forms a part of the distal portion, the optical means or irradiation to the attachment Means are attached.

And as invention of Claim 5 , what can change the wavelength of the light to emit as LED as said irradiation means is also employable. Further, as in the invention of claim 8 , the irradiating means further includes an irradiating filter that is disposed close to the LED and allows only light in a specific wavelength region of light emitted from the LED to pass therethrough. It is also possible to do. If the LED emits light of a single wavelength, or the LED itself has a function of switching the wavelength of the emitted light as in the invention of claim 7, it is for irradiation that allows only light in a specific wavelength range to pass. It is not necessary to provide a filter.

The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that the irradiation means is provided in the head portion of the front side portion.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the front side portion is detachably formed with respect to the main body.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to the third aspect , the irradiation means is provided in the head portion, and the separable function in the front side portion is such that the head portion and the base portion are mutually connected. The coupling means is detachable, and the coupling means is provided with an electrical joint for supplying power to the irradiation means.

The invention of claim 10 is the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of Motomeko 1 to 9, the front side portion of the body, a filter attachment and detachment means for attaching said light receiving filter detachably According to the invention of claim 11 , a filter unit including a plurality of types of light receiving filters selectively switches and positions the light receiving filters to a predetermined position on the front side portion of the main body. It is attached through the filter switching means for this purpose.

The filter attaching / detaching means includes a rail groove that makes the light receiving filter attachable / detachable by sliding (Claim 12 ), or has the light receiving filter and is engaged with the front side portion. What is comprised by the cover body which can be mounted | worn and removed freely (Claim 13 ) is employ | adopted desirably.

The filter unit according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the filter unit according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of types of light receiving filters have an axis parallel to or perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the imaging means or the irradiation means. It is assumed that it is provided around an axis and is mounted so as to be rotatable around the axis, and the switching means drives and rotates the filter unit around the axis as in the invention of claim 15. And a switching control means for driving and controlling the motor based on a light receiving filter switching command signal to selectively switch and position the light receiving filter to a predetermined position, In addition, it is desirable that the filter switching command signal is controlled in synchronism with the irradiation signal of the irradiation means as in the invention of claim 16 .

The invention of claim 17, and characterized in diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, to the irradiation unit, a plurality deployed around around the light receiving portion of the image pickup means To do. The invention of claim 18 is the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the irradiation means includes a plurality of LED emitting light of different wavelengths, the plurality of LED An irradiation driving means for selectively irradiating any one or a plurality of LEDs is provided. The irradiation driving unit is configured to perform irradiation driving for selectively emitting light from the plurality of LEDs by time-sharing control (claim 19 ), or the filter switching command signal is input to the irradiation driving unit. is synchronized with the signal, and be configured to be controlled switching switched as the light receiving filter corresponding to the selected LED (claim 20) it is also desirable.

The invention of claim 21 is characterized in that the irradiation drive means in claim 20 includes a light source selection switch mounted on the main body, the control box, or the foot pedal.

The invention of claim 22 is the diagnostic imaging of claim 20, before Symbol filter switching instruction signal is selected in accordance with the imaging sequence from the irradiation light source which is specified in advance in accordance with an input signal of the photographing switch The light-receiving filter corresponding to the irradiation of the irradiation unit corresponding to the imaging sequence can be switched in synchronization with the irradiation of the irradiation unit.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic photographing device according to any one of the first to twenty-second aspects, a power source and a wireless transmitter are provided inside the main body, and diagnostic image information obtained by the imaging means is provided to an external receiving device. It is characterized by being able to transmit cordlessly.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to twenty-fourth aspects, the irradiating means includes an LED that emits light having a wavelength of 480 ± 20 nm suitable for curing a photopolymerization resin. It is further characterized by including.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to twenty- third aspects, the wavelength of light emitted from the irradiation unit is 400 ± 30 nm, and the light reception of the imaging unit The filter provided in the vicinity of the part is characterized by passing only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the fluorescence generated by the reflected light and / or excitation light emitted from the diagnostic object based on the irradiation of the irradiation unit can be received by the imaging unit, and predetermined diagnostic image information can be obtained. Scars on the tooth surface, surface and internal caries, calculus, plaque, and gingiva can be immediately and easily known, and an accurate diagnosis can be made while using a compact diagnostic camera. By adopting a solid-state imaging device (CCD or MOS) and an optical means for forming an optical image to be diagnosed on the solid-state imaging device as imaging means, good captured image information can be obtained at low cost. Moreover, it can be acquired quickly. In addition, since it can be provided as a small, convenient and easy-to-handle product, and can be manufactured in a small size, at low cost, and safely, specifications with limited functions are optimal for home use. In addition, as long as the imaging means has a wide spectral characteristic capable of imaging light with a wavelength of, for example, 300 to 800 nm, it is possible to capture a fluorescent region, and a wide range of imaging from ultraviolet light to infrared light including visible light is possible. Needless to say, you can. Of course, when special fluorescence detection is required, an image pickup means having a wide spectral characteristic dedicated to a wider range than the above wavelength range may be selected.
In addition, since general reflected light from a diagnosis target and fluorescence in a specific wavelength range can be guided to an imaging means through a light receiving filter, a clear image useful for diagnosis can be obtained by reliably cutting excitation light. can get. In particular, when the irradiation light from the irradiation means is excitation light, if this excitation light directly enters the imaging means, the fluorescence image from the diagnostic object is greatly affected, so the wavelength of light passing through the light receiving filter is appropriately set. Therefore, if such excitation light is blocked, useful image information for diagnosis can be obtained more accurately. In addition, a light receiving filter having a size close to the image pickup means, that is, a required light path toward the image pickup means is sufficient, and the light reception filter can be configured compactly.
Further, since the light receiving filter is attached to the front side portion, it is convenient for maintenance such as cleaning, and the irradiation means and / or the light receiving filter can be attached to and detached from the main body together with the front side portion. In this case, if you prepare multiple types of front side parts with different characteristics of the irradiation means, wavelength range, etc., or different wavelength characteristics of the light receiving filter, you can diagnose them by selectively mounting and using them. This makes it possible to obtain more accurate diagnostic information suitable for the target and to be convenient and easy to use.
A fluorescent image, an ultraviolet light image, an infrared light image, etc. of a diagnostic object such as a tooth can be obtained by arbitrarily selecting various LEDs as the light emitting part of the irradiation means, so that an appropriate diagnostic image according to the state of the diagnostic object can be obtained. can get. Since the LED is small, light, and low power, it can be easily attached to the tip, and an LED having a required wavelength characteristic can be selected and used at low cost. Since the irradiating means consists of LEDs, the irradiating means can be arranged compactly and directly on the front side portion of the main body without using a light guide or the like, and the excessive diffusion of light can be reduced as much as possible. It is possible to provide a diagnostic imaging device that can be reduced as much as possible and can operate efficiently.
If there is a location that is required during the diagnosis, a still image of the required site to be diagnosed can be easily recorded and stored by the function of the image storage means.
In this case, by operating the photographing switch, diagnostic images having different properties can be automatically obtained, and different image information having diagnostic value can be obtained in a short time without the influence of camera shake. Further, if arithmetic processing is performed between these images, the feature extraction of the lesioned part can be easily performed, and a blur-free image can be obtained. In the present invention, each time the content of the obtained image is changed, the still image can be recorded and stored by the image storage means, and each time the still image is obtained, the still image is overwritten. Is also possible. For example, if an infrared LED and an ultraviolet LED are mounted, a mechanism for obtaining a still image of at least two screens corresponding to each excitation light may be provided, and each still image may be overwritten as a still image. .
If a white LED and an ultraviolet LED are mounted, a normal reflected image by the white LED and a fluorescent image excited by the ultraviolet LED can be obtained as a still image, and then image processing is performed by the image processing means. It is also possible. That is, when the patient is explained, a white LED is selected to obtain a normal reflected image (visible light image), and when the lesion is confirmed, the irradiation means is switched to the ultraviolet LED, and the light receiving portion of the imaging means is appropriately received. By attaching a partial filter, such diagnostic image information can be easily obtained. Of course, both images may be displayed simultaneously.

And in addition to images, such as fluorescence based on irradiation of the light of a specific wavelength, a visible light image (image obtained with the normal intraoral camera using a white light source) can be acquired. That is, although it is possible to irradiate light of a specific wavelength and white light simultaneously, only the white light is irradiated by the irradiation means in the claims, and the reflected light passes through only the visible light without passing through the light receiving filter. When receiving light through a light receiving filter such as glass, a visible light image to be diagnosed is obtained. On the other hand, by selectively irradiating light of a specific wavelength, an image (fluorescent image or the like) according to the wavelength characteristic of the diagnostic object is obtained. . This makes it easier to see where the lesion is in the visible light image by comparing the visible light image with an image such as a fluorescent image, or by overlaying the visible light image and the image such as a fluorescent image. In addition, it is possible to obtain image information that can be easily shown to the patient and can be accurately diagnosed while communicating with the patient.

According to the invention of claim 2 , in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, the front side portion of the main body can be miniaturized, and an optical path changing means is provided as an optical means for forming an optical image on the solid-state imaging device. Since it is employed, the thickness of the front side portion of the main body can also be reduced, and the suitability of the dental imaging device used in the oral cavity is improved. And, as in the invention of claim 3 , if the front side part is separable into a head part including the optical path changing means and a base part including the solid-state imaging device, it is convenient for cleaning and maintenance of the head part. The head portion does not have a bulky component such as a solid-state image sensor, and the thickness of the head portion can be reduced, so that the suitability for a dental imaging device used in the oral cavity is further improved. In addition, since an expensive solid-state imaging device remains in the base, the solid-state imaging device is commonly used, and is changed at low cost due to the characteristics of optical means such as an optical path changing means included in the head portion by replacing the head portion. Various types of diagnostic image information can be obtained. Furthermore, if this head part is provided with an irradiating means as in the invention of claim 9 and can be separated by a coupling means interposing an electric joint for supplying power to the irradiating means, different types of irradiating means can be provided. It is easy to replace and use the provided head part as appropriate, and various diagnostic image information corresponding to the state of the diagnosis target can be obtained.

According to the invention of claim 2 or 3 , in addition to the above effect, it is possible to simultaneously irradiate light of a specific wavelength and white light, and also irradiate only white light by the irradiating means, A visible light image of a diagnosis target is obtained by receiving light using a glass that does not pass through a light reception filter or allows only visible light as a light reception filter. On the other hand, if light of a specific wavelength is selectively irradiated, An image (fluorescence image or the like) corresponding to the wavelength characteristic is obtained. This makes it easier to see where the lesion is in the visible light image by comparing the visible light image with an image such as a fluorescent image, or by overlaying the visible light image and the image such as a fluorescent image. In addition, it is possible to obtain image information that can be easily shown to the patient and can be accurately diagnosed while communicating with the patient.

The diagnostic image information here includes a visible light image based on reflected light from a diagnostic target region based on irradiation with white light, a fluorescence image based on fluorescence from a diagnostic target region based on irradiation with excitation light, or a diagnosis based on irradiation with infrared light. The diagnostic image information obtained by appropriately replacing and using the head part, such as an infrared light image by reflection from the target part, can be utilized as extremely useful information in diagnosing the diagnostic target. is there. Further, in the invention of claim 3 , if the irradiation means is provided in the head portion as in the invention of claim 6 , it is possible to replace and use the head portion as appropriate, thereby providing more diverse and practical value of diagnostic image information. Can be obtained.

According to the invention of claim 4, a plurality of attachments forming a part of the front side portion are prepared, various light receiving filters and irradiation means having different wavelength characteristics and emission characteristics are attached to each attachment, and these attachments are appropriately selected. By attaching and detaching to each other, it is possible to apply an appropriate light receiving filter or irradiation means according to the state of the diagnosis target and the purpose of diagnosis, and it is easy to obtain multifaceted diagnostic image information.

According to the invention of claim 5 , since an LED (light emitting diode) capable of switching the wavelength of the irradiation light is used, it is not necessary to use a number of different irradiation means, and one kind or a minimum kind of the irradiation means. In addition, an irradiation filter that passes only light of a specific wavelength is not particularly necessary, and this makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the diagnostic imaging device and improve the operability.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the main body is basically the same, and only the front side portion of the main body can be replaced and used according to the diagnostic purpose and the diagnostic object.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the irradiation filter is arranged near the LED as the light emitting portion, that is, in a place where the spread of the irradiation light is still small, the irradiation filter can be configured in a compact manner. Irradiation light having a wavelength suitable for diagnostic symmetry can be reliably irradiated through the irradiation filter. Further, since only light having a desired wavelength is irradiated, only necessary information can be obtained, and a processing circuit for cutting unnecessary portions from the obtained detection information becomes unnecessary. Therefore, a light source having a wide wavelength from ultraviolet light to visible light including infrared light can be used as the irradiation means.

According to the invention of claim 10 or claim 11 , it is convenient that the light receiving filter can be exchanged according to the purpose. For example, the light reflected from the diagnostic object and entering the imaging means is passed as it is, or the wavelength range is limited to a specific range, and the excitation light is cut when receiving fluorescence from the diagnostic object. By exchanging or switching the light receiving filter, it is possible to easily obtain appropriate and diverse diagnostic image information according to the state of the diagnosis target. In the case of the switching means in the invention of claim 11 , the types of light receiving filters are relatively limited, such as 2-3, but in the case of the filter attaching / detaching means in the invention of claim 10 , there are many kinds of settings. Is easy and can be dealt with in any way.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, replacement and attachment / detachment of the light receiving filter can be realized easily and at low cost. According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily select and set different light receiving filters by attaching and detaching the cover body, and the main body tip portion itself can be configured more compactly. With this configuration, the range of selection increases by preparing many types of light receiving filters.

According to the invention of claim 14 , the switching of the light receiving filter according to the diagnostic purpose or the like is performed by, for example, applying a filter unit having a plurality of light receiving filters in a disk shape or a cylindrical shape to the optical axis of the irradiation means or the imaging means. , Or simply by rotating around the axis of the axis in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, there is an advantage that the light receiving filter can be switched easily, conveniently and quickly.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the filter is automatically switched by the motor in response to the filter switching command signal, the labor and time required for the filter switching can be reduced, thereby speeding up the diagnosis work. Can be planned.

According to the invention of claim 16 , since the filter switching is controlled in synchronization with the irradiation signal of the irradiation light source, the irradiation of the irradiation means and the switching of the light receiving filter can be performed at once without separately operating. , The operation becomes easy.

According to the invention of claim 17 , even if the relative angle and position between the diagnostic object and the light receiving unit of the imaging means are variously changed, the light of the irradiation means is accurately applied to the diagnostic object, and the reflected light or the like is applied. Input to the imaging means can be ensured without causing a shadow. As a result, the imaging means and the irradiating means can be compactly collected in the front side portion of the main body, and the imaging can be reliably performed in any situation, and the diagnostic reliability can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 18 , since the irradiating means includes a plurality of LEDs that generate different wavelengths, it is possible to select and irradiate one LED having an arbitrary wavelength (including a white light LED) (basic). In addition to this, it is possible to irradiate irradiation light of different wavelengths from this LED at the same time (simultaneous irradiation), or sequentially irradiate light of different wavelengths in a time-division manner, and acquire diagnostic target image information. . Further, there is no trouble and troublesome replacement of the LED, and it is convenient that the desired LED can be freely selected and set. Furthermore, if an irradiating means according to the purpose of diagnosis is provided, a plurality of images such as a fluorescent image and an infrared light image can be obtained at the same photographing position. Therefore, it becomes easy to display a plurality of images taken at the same shooting position using different LEDs or light receiving filters, or to display them in duplicate. The LED is selected by a switch, and then the light receiving filter is replaced.

  Here, the light emitting unit that generates different wavelengths means not only that one LED emits light of different wavelengths, but also, for example, LEDs of different functions (wavelengths) such as infrared LEDs and ultraviolet LEDs. . That is, since different types of illumination functions are installed, it is possible to irradiate simultaneously or to irradiate in a time-sharing manner. As a result, when the image is not a still image but a moving image, various images can be automatically switched and displayed on the monitor depending on the irradiation light from the light emitting unit.

Further, as in the invention of claim 19 , if it is configured so that the irradiation drive for selectively emitting a plurality of LEDs is performed by time-sharing control, a difference between images for each time is taken, an average is taken, By superimposing, an error or the like is canceled or the situation of the affected part can be easily grasped, and an image with higher accuracy can be obtained. Furthermore, if time-division control is performed at extremely short time intervals, and these time-division images are appropriately linked and image-processed and displayed on a monitor, an image like a moving image can be obtained, which is easy for the patient to understand. It can be image data for explanation.

According to the invention of claim 20 , not only the light receiving filter and the irradiation light source can be switched by one operation, but also the light receiving filter and the irradiation means can be preset and correspondingly switched automatically. The shooting time can be shortened and the operability is extremely improved. If the photographing time can be shortened, a blur-free image can be obtained when processing between images is performed.

According to the invention of claim 21 , the irradiation means can be switched by operating the light source selection switch by operating the finger supporting the photographing device body, operating the control box, or stepping on the foot pedal. Since it can also be operated, it can be made excellent in operability.

According to the invention of claim 22 , not only the irradiation and switching of the filter by the irradiation means can be operated at a time, but also the type of the filter can be automatically and sequentially switched in accordance with the preset type of the irradiation means, It is very convenient because the shooting time can be shortened and the operability is improved. Thus, according to the inventions of claims 18 to 22 , for example, the reflected image is acquired and stored by the imaging unit through the glass that irradiates the diagnosis target with the white LED and passes the visible region as a filter, At the next moment, the fluorescence image emitted from the diagnostic object by irradiating the excitation light is acquired and stored through a dedicated light receiving filter, and if this combination is automatically executed 20 times per second, A normal image can be displayed on the half and a fluorescence image can be displayed on the right half, or both images can be overlaid. Furthermore, only the lesioned part of the fluorescent image can be cut out and overlaid on the normal image. A high-value image can be obtained.

According to the invention of claim 23 , since it can be configured as a cordless type photographing device which does not need to drag the lead wire, it is very convenient and easy to use in handling and diagnostic work.

According to the invention of claim 25 , by adding an LED (for example, a blue LED) having a wavelength suitable for curing the photopolymerization resin to the irradiation means, it is not only a diagnostic imaging device but also, for example, a prosthetic resin in dentistry. Since it can be used as a photopolymerization irradiator, it can be a convenient and excellent one having a function of a dental treatment device while being a photographing device. Thereby, the curing treatment of the prosthetic resin can be carried out with one instrument without changing to another instrument by the irradiation light from the blue LED as the irradiation means.

According to the invention of claim 24 , for example, when light (excitation light) having a wavelength of 400 ± 30 nm is irradiated from the irradiation means to a carious portion, calculus, or tooth having plaque, the carious portion, calculus, or tooth The plaque emits its unique fluorescence. Here, since a light receiving filter that passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more (does not pass light of 400 ± 30 nm) is attached in the vicinity of the light receiving portion of the imaging means, irradiation excitation light directed directly to the imaging means or Irradiation excitation light reflected and directed is blocked by the light receiving filter, and the excitation light does not enter the imaging means. Accordingly, a clear image by the fluorescence can be obtained, and image information extremely useful for caries diagnosis can be provided. In addition, when using irradiation light of 400 ± 30 nm, a filter having a wavelength of 430 nm or more may be basically used as a filter characteristic. Experiments have also demonstrated that light having wavelengths near 635 nm and 680 nm is also effective as excitation light.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the diagnostic imaging device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the main body, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom view of the front end portion of the main body and FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway front view of the front end portion. The diagnostic imaging device A in the figure includes a dental handpiece-shaped main body 1 that can be supported by fingers and irradiation means 2 that emits one or more lights of excitation light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light (light emitting part). 2a, 2b, 2c) and a front portion 4 having an image pickup means 3 built in a CCD (solid state image pickup device) 3a. This diagnostic imaging device A is suitable mainly for the diagnosis of dental caries, deficient part, lesioned part, tartar, dental plaque, biofilm adhesion degree, etc. in the oral cavity. In addition, it is possible to recognize the lesion inside the tooth surface layer by photographing the internal surface condition of the tooth (the situation inside about 1 mm from the surface), and if the cordless specification is used, the signal is sent to the control box H (see Fig. 2) as cordless. Can be transmitted and the photographed image can be printed out and taken out. It is also possible to provide a zoom mechanism for zooming in and zooming out and an autofocus function.

  The main body 1 comprises a casing 5 made of a synthetic resin material consisting of three parts, an upper case 5a, a lower case 5b, and a front end side case 5c, and the lower case 5b is fixed to the upper case 5a with four screws 10. It is. The casing 5 is formed with a front side portion 4 having a shape in which the main body 1 portion is relatively thick and once squeezed so that the tip end side becomes thinner, and then bulges left and right and upward. The front end side case 5c (attachment forming a part of the front side portion 4) is detachably attached to the upper and lower cases 5a and 5b, and has a light receiving filter 12 for the imaging means 3. In addition, 5r is a reinforcing rib integrally formed inside each case 5a-5c.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the front end side case 5c is fitted with a tongue piece 20 formed on the base side inside the lower case 5b, and a hook piece 22 formed on the vertical wall portion 21 on the front end side. The upper case 5a is mounted by being fitted into engaging portions 23 formed at corresponding locations. When removing, the tip side of the front end side case 5c is moved away from the upper case 5a to release the hooking piece 22 from the engaging portion 23, and then the front end side case 5c is moved away from the lower case 5b (FIG. 5). To the left).

  Since the light receiving filter 12 is mounted on the front end side case 5c detachably attached to the main body 1, if a different front end side case 5c having a different type of light receiving filter 12 is prepared, the front end side case 5c is prepared. By changing 5c, it can be easily replaced with a different light receiving filter. In FIG. 5, the irradiation unit 2 is attached to the upper case 5 a together with the imaging unit 3. However, the irradiation unit 2 may be attached to the front end side case 5 c and replaced with the light receiving filter 12 for each front end side case. In this case, an electrical contact for supplying electricity to the irradiating means may be configured to be separable.

  The main body 1 is provided with a photographing switch (related to image storage means for obtaining a still image) 6, a light source selection switch 7, an image selection switch 15, and an automatic sequence photographing switch 16 in a state of being attached to the upper case 5a. In the main body 1, a power source 8 such as a secondary battery for driving the irradiation unit (light emitting unit) 2, the imaging unit 3, and the like, and information captured by the imaging unit 3 are transmitted to the control box H. A wireless transmitter 9 and a microcomputer 17 are built in. That is, the diagnostic imaging device A is configured as a cordless type that is easy to operate without drawing a lead wire. If the cordless type is not used, the imaging switch 6 may be provided at a location other than the main body 1 such as a control box H or a foot pedal (not shown) connected to the diagnostic imaging device A via a lead wire.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an imaging unit 3, an irradiation unit (light emitting unit) 2, and a light receiving filter 12 are arranged in the front side portion 4. The imaging unit 3 includes a CCD (solid-state imaging device) 3a and a light receiving filter 12 as an optical unit. When the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 2 is irradiated onto a diagnostic target such as a tooth, the imaging unit 3 is reflected from the diagnostic target. The reflected light and / or excitation light that is irradiated onto the diagnostic object is received to take a predetermined diagnostic image, and is arranged at the center position of the front portion 4 in the vertical direction. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the irradiating means 2 includes a white LED (light emitting diode) 2a, an infrared LED (light emitting diode that emits infrared light) 2b, and an ultraviolet LED (light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light) 2c as light emitting units. Each of the three types of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) is composed of two LEDs, and a total of six LEDs are arranged around the optical axis of the CCD 3a at almost equal angles so as to be rotationally symmetric. Thereby, it is set as the structure which can irradiate a tooth | gear with the light from the irradiation means 2 directly. The LEDs 2a, 2b, and 2c (light emitting units) are opposed to each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with the image pickup means 3 as the center, but are not limited to the combination of the arrangement state and the light source for irradiation.

In short, the irradiation means 2 may be any one that irradiates at least one of excitation light (preferably single wavelength excitation light), infrared light, ultraviolet light, and white light , and an LED is employed. The Also, the irradiation means 2, a white LED and also have good a LE D wavelength switchable. Although a laser oscillator can be used instead of the LED, it is necessary to guide the light from the laser oscillation part in the main body to the tip irradiation port of the front side portion 4 with an appropriate light guide.

LE D is the infrared, near-infrared, ultraviolet, not near ultraviolet only red visible light region, orange, purple, blue, those with green areas desired. In particular, ultraviolet light and near ultraviolet light that are effective as excitation light can be obtained at low cost if a commercially available LED having a wavelength of around 405 nm or around 400 ± 30 nm is used. At this time, the light receiving filter 12 may be selected so that only light having a wavelength longer than 430 nm passes (cuts excitation light around 405 nm or around 400 ± 30 nm). Alternatively, but it may also be used a notch filter for cutting only the excitation light.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the light receiving filter 12 is attached to the front end side case 5 c by fitting, and is a size that covers the lower side of the CCD 3 a and the six LEDs 2 a to 2 c, and has a substantially circular plate shape. Is made up of things. The light receiving filter 12 allows only light in a specific wavelength range to pass through the light receiving unit of the imaging unit 3, but the peripheral part corresponding to the irradiation unit 2 has a structure that allows the light of the irradiation unit 2 to pass through as it is. Or, this peripheral part is made to be an irradiation filter that passes only light in a specific wavelength region out of the light from the irradiation means 2 and irradiates the object to be diagnosed, or both of the light receiving filter and the irradiation filter. It is also possible to provide a composite filter having a function. In this example, the light receiving portion of the image pickup means 3 indicates a portion between the upper and lower sides of the light receiving filter 12 and the CCD 3 a in the front side portion 4. It is used as a concept to indicate. By the way, as shown above, the light receiving filter 12 shown in the figure has a structure in which only light in a specific wavelength region is allowed to pass through the light receiving part of the imaging means 3 and the light from the irradiating means 2 is allowed to pass through the peripheral part. However, as the peripheral portion, a glass or other material (space is also acceptable) that allows the irradiated light to pass through can be used here. Moreover, when irradiating only white light, it is desirable to use a visible light filter that transmits only visible light as the light receiving filter 12, but it is also possible to simply apply glass to this.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a usage state of the diagnostic imaging device A. As shown in the figure, the diagnostic imaging device A inserts the front portion 4 into the oral cavity and inserts a tooth 14 as a diagnostic object. The diagnosis can be performed while the image taken by the imaging means 3 is displayed on the monitor screen M (see FIG. 2) connected to the control box H. Then, if there is a region of interest, by operating the shooting switch 6 while shooting the location, the still image at that location is stored in the main body 1 or the memory 18 of the control box H, and is controlled as necessary. Printing can be performed by a printer (not shown) connected to the box H. In the diagnostic imaging device A, it is possible to directly irradiate the teeth 14 with irradiation light from the irradiation means 2.

  Photographing a tooth with dental calculus, dental plaque, or carious part (lesioned part) with excitation light having a wavelength of 400 nm and attaching a light receiving filter that passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more to the light receiving part of the imaging means Then, these lesions in the diagnostic image are visualized in orange to orange. FIG. 6 shows a printout image of the tooth 14 photographed by the diagnostic photographing device A. If it is irradiation with excitation light, although not as much as irradiation with white light, the whole tooth can be observed, and the lesioned part (fluorescent part) is visually recognized in orange or orange in the image. In FIG. 6, the imaginary line part is a lesioned part.

  In addition, only a fluorescent image due to fluorescence generated by the irradiation of excitation light (a portion depicted by a virtual line) is superimposed and displayed on a visible light image (a portion depicted by a solid line) by the irradiation light in the visible light region. Thus, if the two images are formed into a composite image in an overlapped state, FIG. 6 becomes an image with more diagnostic value, and is optimal for explanation to the patient.

  According to this, on the visible light image of the tooth surface portion photographed by visible light, the calculus, plaque or caries (caries) of the internal portion close to the surface layer revealed by fluorescence that is difficult to see in the visible light image Etc. are clearly visible, and it can be seen at a glance where the calculus, plaque, caries (cavities), etc. are located. In FIG. 6, the visible light image and the fluorescence image are superimposed, but each of these images can be individually displayed and used for diagnosis. However, in the fluorescence image, the caries (caries) etc. can be clearly seen, but the tooth image itself is not clear, while the visible light image has a clear tooth outline, so by superimposing both these images, The deficient portions of both images are compensated, and high-quality diagnostic image information with clear tooth outlines and clear calculus, dental plaque, caries (caries), etc. is obtained. Details of the system and principle for obtaining such an image will be described later.

  Here, an example of the entire system configuration including the diagnostic imaging device A will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the system is roughly divided into a main body 1, a control box H, and a display unit M, and the main body 1 and the control box. Signal exchange with H is performed wirelessly (cordless) between the transmitter 9 and the receiver 46. In addition, since each component is clearly shown in FIG. 8, description of each name is omitted.

  The main body 1 includes various switches 6, 7, 15, 16, a central control unit corresponding to the microcomputer 17, a light receiving filter switching control unit and an irradiation filter switching control unit corresponding to filter switching means F (described later), irradiation A light source switching control unit corresponding to the light source selection means D (described later), a video circuit for converting a signal from the CCD into a video signal, and the like are mounted. In the control box H, in addition to the receiver 46, a command operation unit (portion corresponding to the various switches 6, 7, 15 and 16), a control unit, an image processing unit, and an image storage unit corresponding to the memory 18 (image storage means) ), Power supply is installed. A display unit M such as a liquid crystal screen and a power supply unit (such as an outlet connected to a commercial power source) are connected to the control box H.

  Next, FIG. 9 shows an example of the overall configuration of a wired system including the diagnostic imaging device A using the personal computer pc. The main body 1 in this case is the same as that shown in FIG. 8 except that the transmitter 9 is replaced with a lead wire such as a cable. The control box H is equipped with a command operation unit (the same as that shown in FIG. 8) and a power supply unit. The personal computer pc is equipped with a control unit, an image processing unit, an image storage unit corresponding to the memory 18, and a power supply unit. A display unit M and a power supply unit are connected to the personal computer pc.

  In the imaging diagnostic device A configured as described above, various imaging modes as described later are possible, and an image processing unit (in the control box H in FIG. 8 and in the personal computer pc in FIG. 9) is mounted. In other words, it is possible to take differences between various images, create duplicate images, and store them in the image storage unit.

  The light source selection switch 7 is a switch that switches variously the lighting states of the three types of LEDs 2a, 2b, and 2c (two each as shown in FIG. 4). That is, when the light source selection switch 7 is pressed, a first lighting state in which only two white LEDs 2a are lit, a second lighting state in which only two infrared LEDs 2b are lit, and a second in which only two ultraviolet LEDs 2c are lit. The four states of the lighting state and all the lighting states in which all the six LEDs 2a to 2c are lit are configured as a rotary switch that sequentially switches.

  The image selection switch 15 is used to select a desired diagnostic image from among diagnostic images that are captured by operating the imaging switch 6 and stored in the memory 18. That is, each time the image selection switch 15 is pressed, the selected diagnostic images are sequentially switched one by one. Accordingly, by continuously pressing the image selection switch 15 while looking at the monitor screen M, a desired diagnostic image can be easily picked up from among a plurality of diagnostic images. If a personal computer or the like is used, a plurality of images can be displayed simultaneously.

  The automatic sequence photographing switch 16 is a switch for selecting and actuating the automatic photographing control means C (described later). When the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 is not operated, the above-described light source selection switch 7 functions. When the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 is operated (ON operation), the function of the light source selection switch 7 is canceled and the automatic photographing control means C is activated. That is, the image storage means B (to be described later) causes the imaging means 3 to execute the time sequence specified in advance by operating the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 and selectively drive the irradiation light having different wavelengths. Automatic imaging control means C for sequentially storing and holding captured diagnostic images in the memory 18 is provided. The image storage means B and the automatic photographing control means C including the memory 18 are provided in the microcomputer 17.

  That is, when the automatic sequence shooting switch 16 is turned on, a cycle in which the white, infrared, and ultraviolet LEDs 2a to 2c are irradiated for a time t3 at an interval of time t2 is repeated as shown in the time chart of FIG. Then, after time t1 from the start of irradiation of the LEDs 2a to 2c, an operation for storing an image captured by the imaging unit 3 in the memory 18 is started, and the storage operation is completed simultaneously with the end of the LED irradiation. As a result, a captured image obtained by irradiating only the white LED 2a, a captured image obtained by irradiating only the infrared LED 2b, and a captured image (normal reflection image, fluorescent image) obtained by irradiating only the ultraviolet LED 2c are continuously stored in a very short time. Can be made.

  The automatic photographing control means C may be configured to automatically start the control without operating the photographing switch 6. For example, when the diagnostic imaging device A is moved to a desired location in the oral cavity and then stopped for a predetermined time (eg, 1 to 2 seconds), the stop is detected for a predetermined time (position sensor, shaking detection sensor, etc. It is possible to use an operation sequence in which shooting starts automatically by using the

When the filter changeover switch is operated, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the cover body (described later) 25 is rotated with respect to the plurality of light receiving filters 12 using the motor 28 built in the main body. It is also possible to adopt a structure in which the light receiving filter 12 can be automatically switched. If the light receiving filter 12 is switched, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the irradiation light, so that the fluorescent image emitted from the diagnosis object becomes clearer. Details of the examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described later.

  In FIG. 6, as described above, a captured image (portion drawn with a virtual line) generated by excitation light irradiation is superimposed on a captured image (portion drawn with a solid line) with irradiation light in the visible light region. An example of printing out a composite image in such a state is shown. The principle of obtaining such an image will be described. When the irradiation light (including excitation light) of the LED 2 is applied to the tooth 14 to be diagnosed, the fluorescence generated from the tooth 14 is received thereby, and a predetermined diagnostic image is taken. The fluorescence wavelength differs between the case and the case of a carious tooth. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in the case of irradiation light with a wavelength of 406 nm, in the case of a healthy tooth, the radiation intensity I tends to decrease gradually with an increase in fluorescence wavelength. In this case, the radiation intensity I with respect to the fluorescence wavelength exhibits a fluorescence spectrum having peaks at three locations (636 nm, 673 nm, and 700 nm). Further, according to experiments, it has been confirmed that orange to orange fluorescence is also emitted. Needless to say, the images in FIG. 6 can be displayed as individual images without being superimposed.

  Therefore, if only the fluorescent image portions with the wavelengths of these peaks are displayed, the carious enamel image portion can be specified. If a fluorescent image is displayed according to the fluorescence intensity, only the carious portion can be displayed while the entire tooth is shown. If excitation light and white light are irradiated in a pulsed form (see FIG. 10), both a fluorescent image and a visible light image by white light can be obtained, and even a fluorescent image can be recognized by the whole tooth, but is not clear. If the contour portion of the fluorescent part is cut out and extracted, and this and a visible light image by white light are combined and displayed by the central control unit 17, as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a photographed image having clinical value. In order to obtain these fluorescent images, a light receiving filter 12 that allows only the fluorescent image to pass through is selectively used. Moreover, you may use not only an outline part but the whole fluorescence image area | region for a synthesis | combination.

  Actually, light (excitation light) having a wavelength of 406 nm is emitted from the irradiation means 2 to the teeth (diagnosis target part), and light having a wavelength of 406 nm is not passed through the light receiving part of the imaging means 3 (more than 430 nm). If the light receiving filter 12 is attached and the image pickup means 3 picks up the image by the fluorescence emitted from the caramelized enamel, the excitation light from the irradiation means 2 having a strong influence is picked up. Fluorescent images based on extremely clear caries are obtained without entering the means 3. The part to which tartar or plaque is attached can be detected in the same manner.

  In general, healthy teeth (healthy enamel) and caries were carved, as can be seen by comparing the graphs with the irradiation light with a wavelength of 488 nm shown in FIGS. For teeth (carious enamel), if the wavelength of the excitation light to be irradiated is different, the intensity of the generated fluorescence will also change.

  As the irradiation means 2, a halogen lamp or a krypton lamp that emits light of a wide wavelength, an infrared LED 2b or an ultraviolet LED 2c that emits excitation light of a single wavelength, a laser oscillator (semiconductor laser) that outputs ultraviolet light, or the like can be used. For example, if those infrared images are detected by the image pickup means 3 by selecting a light receiving filter, near infrared rays have better transmission characteristics than visible light, so that the inside of the tooth can be observed in more detail. Even when it does not reach the inside, it is possible to clearly observe the cracks of the teeth, the adhesion of tartar, the gap between the restoration and the tooth, and the like. Moreover, in the fluorescence image by ultraviolet light, it is easy to diagnose the fluorescence image by caries. Therefore, the optimum diagnosis can be performed by appropriately using these different wavelength irradiation means and light receiving filters (or irradiation filters depending on the type of irradiation means) depending on the purpose of diagnosis, or by using overlapping images. . Although the above shows an example in which only the infrared image is detected by the imaging means by irradiating the infrared LED and selecting the light receiving filter, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the irradiation light source selection means D (corresponding to the light source selection switch 7 in FIG. 1). That is, the light source selection means D for irradiation includes four types of light emitting units (a plurality of light emitting units that irradiate light having different wavelengths) 2a to 2d, which are composed of LEDs, infrared light, white light, ultraviolet light 1 and ultraviolet light 2. The irradiating means 2 is configured to selectively drive one (or a plurality) of the light emitting units 2a to 2d among the plurality of light emitting units 2a to 2d. It is configured to include four analog switches sw1 to sw4 connected between the light emitting units 2a to 2d, four light source selection switches hs1 to hs4, and a switch control unit 19.

  When the first light source selection switch hs1 is turned ON, the first analog switch sw1 is operated to activate the infrared LED 2b. Similarly, when the second light source selection switch hs2 is turned ON, the white LED 2a is selected as the third light source. The ultraviolet light 1LED2c can be activated by turning on the switch hs3, and the ultraviolet light 2LED2d can be activated by turning on the fourth light source selection switch hs4. Any type of irradiation light can be selected in this manner. Naturally, the obtained diagnostic image is a diagnostic image having different properties depending on the irradiation light and the filter.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the filter switching means for receiving light. The filter switching means F in the illustrated example is a support in which two light receiving filters 12, 12 having different cutoff wavelength ranges are arranged at both ends. A frame (filter unit) 24 is provided so as to be manually rotatable around an axis P of an axis parallel to the optical axis of the imaging means 3 (or irradiation means 2). That is, one light receiving filter 12 can be switched from the state shown in FIG. 14 to the other light receiving filter 12 (having different light transmission characteristics) by rotating the support frame 24 about the axis P by 180 degrees. it can.

  The support frame 24 is formed with a penetrating window portion 24 a between the axis P portion and the light receiving filters 12, 12 so as not to interfere with the light transmission of the irradiation means 2. The support frame 24 may be rotated in the opposite direction to the above, or may be provided with three or more light receiving filters 12. All of the light receiving filters 12 and 12 are arranged on the same circumference with the axis P as the center. By combining this with the control of the light source selection switch of the second embodiment, the light receiving filter can be easily changed together with the irradiation means.

  FIGS. 15 and 16 show other light receiving filter switching means. The filter switching means F in FIG. 15 is a direction in which a plurality of light receiving filters 12 are orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging means 3 or the irradiation means 2. The front side portion 4 of the main body is externally fitted so as to be rotatable around the axis Q of the shaft. That is, a rectangular cylindrical cover body (filter unit) 25 equipped with different types of light-receiving filters 12 (different in translucency characteristics) at four locations on the top, bottom, left, and right is rotatably attached to the front portion 4. By fitting and rotating 90 degrees, it is possible to switch the light receiving filter 12 located immediately below the imaging means 3 to the adjacent light receiving filter 12 that is 90 degrees apart.

  The cover body 25 is a substantially rectangular tube-shaped filter support portion having a cylindrical portion 26 that is externally fitted to the cylindrical front side portion 4 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction, and four light-receiving filters 12 therebetween. 27 is formed in a hollow cylinder shape. The light receiving filter 12 shown in the figure is configured to transmit light from the light emitting portion as it is through the positions corresponding to the respective light emitting portions of the irradiation means 2. This filter can be fitted, or the light receiving filter 12 can be eliminated, and an irradiation filter can be incorporated to constitute an irradiation filter switching means. It is convenient to provide a detent mechanism (light fitting portion by unevenness) on the cover body 25 and the support frame 24 described above so that the light receiving filter 12 is locked and maintained at a proper position corresponding to the imaging means 3. .

  FIG. 16 shows a mechanism that can automatically perform filter switching by the filter switching means F shown in FIG. That is, an electric motor 28 such as a step motor for driving and rotating the cover body 25 about the axis Q, a filter changeover switch 29, and the electric motor 28 is drive-controlled based on a filter changeover command signal resulting from the operation of the cover body 25. A switching control means 30 for rotating 25 is provided, so that a semi-automatic filter switching means F is configured.

  The output rotating body 28a of the electric motor 28 is inscribed in the cylindrical portion 26 of the cover body 25 from a through hole (not shown) formed in the front side portion 4, and the cover body can be obtained by operating the filter changeover switch 29 once. The electric motor 28 is controlled by the switching control means 30 so that 25 is rotated about 90 degrees around the axis Q, and the light receiving filter 12 can be switched to the adjacent light receiving filter 12. That is, the filter can be switched easily and surely and quickly by only one action operation for operating the filter switch 29.

  That is, a motor 28 for driving and rotating the plurality of light receiving filters 12 around the axis Q is provided, and the motor 28 is driven and controlled based on a filter switching command signal by the operation of the filter switching switch 29 to switch the light receiving filter 12. By providing the switching control means 30, the filter switching means F is configured. In this way, different types of diagnostic images can be easily acquired by switching the light receiving filter with the motor in synchronization with the switching of the irradiation light. The examples of FIGS. 15 and 16 are shown as light-receiving filter switching means, but the same mechanism can also be applied to the irradiation filter switching means. When the irradiation means 2 is intended to obtain a visible light image using a halogen lamp or white LED having a wide wavelength (white light), an irradiation filter is not necessary, but an LED, a semiconductor laser, or the like is used. When it is intended to irradiate light of a specific wavelength by using it, it is effective to equip the irradiating means 2 with an irradiation filter so as to be switchable.

  FIG. 17 is a control block diagram showing an example in which the filter switching means F shown in FIG. 16 is applied to the switching of the irradiation filter, and the filter switching command signal by the operation of the filter switching switch 29 or the like is applied to the irradiation means 2 irradiation. It is configured to be controlled in synchronization with the signal. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, when the irradiation switch 45 (functionally the same as the light source selection switches hs1 to hs4 shown in FIG. 13) is turned on manually, the analog switch sw1 is turned on and the white LED or the like is turned on. The motor 28 is driven and the desired irradiation filter 13 is selected so that the irradiation means 2 is turned on and the irradiation filter 13 corresponding to the lighted irradiation means 2 (corresponding to the irradiation switch 45) is selected and set. It is controlled to be switched. In other words, in FIG. 17, one irradiation switch 45 is provided, and the irradiation unit 2 and the irradiation filter 13 responding to the selected irradiation switch 45 are automatically selected and set. It goes without saying that such a switching control sequence can also be applied to switching of the light receiving filter. In this example, an example in which a white LED is used as an irradiation light source has been described, but a halogen lamp can be similarly used.

  FIG. 18 shows a time chart regarding the irradiation switch 45, the analog switch sw1, and the motor 28 by the filter switching means F shown in FIG. That is, the analog switch sw1 is turned ON in synchronization with the ON operation of the irradiation switch 45, and thereby the motor 28 is also driven in synchronization. However, the energization time to the motor 28 is set to be slightly longer than the ON time of the analog switch sw1, and the switching operation of the irradiation filter 13 (which can also be applied to the light receiving filter) is reliably performed. Yes.

  FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C show an example of the filter attaching / detaching means. The filter attaching / detaching means E shown in FIG. 19 is configured to slide the light receiving filter 12 as a single unit made of glass or plastic. A rail groove 31 is formed in the front portion 4 so as to be removable and attachable. That is, a pair of raised portions 32 are formed on the bottom surface side of the front end side case 5c (which constitutes a part of the front portion 4), and the end portions of the plate-shaped light receiving filter 12 are fitted to the raised portions 32. A concave rail groove 31 is formed.

  Therefore, the light receiving filter 12 can be mounted at a predetermined position directly below the CCD 3a constituting the imaging means 3 or detached from the front side portion 4 by sliding movement along the longitudinal direction of the diagnostic imaging device A. It is made freely. According to this, it is possible to replace the light receiving filter 12 alone or to another light receiving filter of a different type, and the structure is simple and inexpensive while maintaining the compactness of the front side portion 4. There is an advantage that the light receiving filter 12 can be attached and detached. It goes without saying that the filter attaching / detaching means E here can also be applied to a filter for irradiation.

  20 (a) and 20 (b) show another example of the filter attaching / detaching means, and the filter attaching / detaching means E of the illustrated example is an open box having a light receiving filter 12 (also applicable to irradiation). It is comprised from the shape-like cover body 33. FIG. In other words, the cover body 33 is composed of a synthetic resin main body 34 formed in a shape just fitted to the front side portion 4 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the light receiving filter 12 attached to the body 34. In this example as well, as described above, the light receiving filter 12 can be mounted at a predetermined position directly below the CCD 3a constituting the image pickup means 3 or can be detached from the front side portion 4. . Therefore, the cover body 33 can also be said to be an attachment constituting a part of the front side portion 4. In addition, it is very effective to combine this light receiving filter attaching / detaching mechanism with the selective irradiation of the irradiation light source shown in the second embodiment.

  21A and 21B show a diagnostic imaging device A in which the front side portion 4 itself is configured to be detachable from the main body 1. That is, a hollow fitting portion 35 is formed on the base side of the front portion 4, and a protruding portion 36 that can be fitted in the fitting portion 35 is formed on the distal end side of the main body 1. A plurality of male electrodes 37 are provided in the fitting portion 35, and a plurality of corresponding female electrodes 38 are provided in the protruding portion 36.

  Therefore, when the fitting portion 35 and the protruding portion 36 are fitted, the male and female electrodes 37 and 38 are also connected to each other at the same time, so that the front portion 4 can be attached to the main body 1 and the fitting portion 35 is removed from the protruding portion 36. If extracted, the male and female electrodes 37, 38 are simultaneously disconnected and the front portion 4 can be separated from the main body 1. Although not shown in the figure, the front side portion 4 can be further separated into a head portion and a base portion, an optical system such as a filter and a mirror and irradiation means are provided on the head portion, and a CCD is provided on the base portion side for diagnosis. Sometimes it is possible to replace the head part as appropriate.

  FIG. 22 shows an example in which the diagnostic imaging device A is configured in the shape of a dental contra-angle handpiece in which the front side portion 4 is slightly angled with respect to the main body 1. As shown in FIG. 23A, the CCD 3a as the image pickup means 3 is disposed inside at the center of a circular head portion 39 in plan view in the front side portion 4, and a light guide ( A lens (which may be an example of the light receiving filter 12) 40 is disposed via an optical means). On the main body 1 side of the lens 40, a light emitting unit 43 equipped with an LED (an example of the irradiation unit 2) 41 is provided in a state where the lens 40 is slightly inclined with respect to the optical axis of the lens. In this example, the CCD 3a, the light guide 42, and the lens 40 constitute the imaging means 3.

  The LED (irradiation means) 41 has a structure in which one horizontally long one is arranged as shown in FIG. 23 (b), or two (or three) circular ones arranged as shown in FIG. 23 (c). Any number of structures) may be used. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, a large number of smaller LEDs (irradiation means) 44 are arranged around the lens 40, which is a light receiving portion of the imaging means, so as to surround the lens 40. But it ’s okay. In this case, it is convenient to arrange various LEDs 44 such as an infrared LED and a blue LED and to enable various lighting states.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of another shape of the diagnostic imaging device A. As shown in FIG. 25, the diagnostic imaging device A has a shape in which the front side portion 4 does not expand from the base side but rather is tapered. It is configured as. In this case, the irradiating means 2 is installed on the main body 1 side with respect to the CCD 3a as the imaging means 3 mounted in the front end of the lower surface of the front side portion 4, and the reflected light reflected by the diagnostic object 14 is for receiving light. The optical path of the irradiation light from the irradiation means 2 is arranged at an angle so as to enter the filter 12.

  FIG. 26 shows another example of the filter switching control sequence. The filter switching command signal is synchronized with the input signal of the irradiation means selection means, and the light receiving filter 12 (corresponding to the selected irradiation means) An example of filter switching means F controlled to be switched to (applicable to irradiation filter) is shown. That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the filter switching means F includes four light source selection switches hs1 to hs4 (corresponding to the irradiation switch 45 and the irradiation light source selection means D), four analog switches sw1 to sw4, The switching control means 30 includes a motor 28 and the like for rotating and switching the four light receiving filters 12.

For example, when the second light source selection switch hs2 is artificially turned on , the second analog switch sw2 is turned on by electrical control so that the white LED 2a is lit and the motor 28 is driven to receive light corresponding to the white LED 2a. The switching control means 30 functions so as to set the filter 12 for use. In this example, the filter switching command signal is output by the light source selection switch, and the switching control means 30 functions as the irradiation light source selection means D.

  By automatically operating the photographing switch 6 to execute a time sequence specified in advance and selectively irradiating irradiation light having different wavelengths, the diagnostic image picked up by the image pickup means 3 is sequentially stored and held in the memory 18 automatically. A diagnostic imaging device A provided with imaging control means C (see either FIG. 2, FIG. 8, or FIG. 9) may be used. For example, in FIG. 26, the photographing switch 6 connected to the switching control means 30 is provided in the main body 1, the control box H (both see FIG. 2), or the foot pedal (not shown). The switching control means 30 is included in the switch control composed of a microcomputer or the like and the filter switching motor control unit 17, but may be provided independently.

  Now, when the photographing switch 6 is turned on (or when the main body 1 is stopped for 2 seconds or more), a photographing sequence by the switch control and the filter switching motor control unit 17 (see FIG. 2, FIG. 8, FIG. 9) is started. The Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, the first analog switch sw1 is turned on for a certain period of time as the photographing switch 6 is turned on, and the motor 28 is driven to switch to the corresponding light receiving filter 12. At the same time, the image taken by the infrared LED 2b is stored in the memory 18 (same as above) from when the motor 28 is stopped (after time t1 from the start of turning on the first analog switch sw1) to when the first analog switch sw1 is turned off. The

  Then, after a time t2 from the OFF of the first analog switch sw1, the ON operation of the second analog switch sw2 is started. Similarly, a photographed image by the white LED 2a is stored in the memory 18 this time. Thereafter, similarly, a photographed image by the ultraviolet LED 1 (2c) and a photographed image by the ultraviolet LED 2 (2d) are sequentially captured. In FIG. 27, the description about the fourth analog switch sw4 is omitted for simplicity.

  The filter switching command signal is synchronized with the irradiation of the irradiation light source selected according to the imaging sequence from the irradiation light source specified in advance according to the input signal of the imaging switch 6, and the irradiation light source corresponding to the imaging sequence is selected. The diagnostic imaging device A may be controlled so that the light receiving filter corresponding to the irradiation can be switched. For example, a mechanism (not shown) that automatically turns on each of the four light source selection switches hs1 to hs4 in FIG. 26 one by one automatically (such as a structure in which four switches are sequentially switched by an electric motor) is provided. An imaging switch 6 connected to the switching control means 30 (see FIG. 16) is provided in the control box H (both see FIG. 2) or the foot pedal (not shown).

  The operation at the time of photographing by the diagnostic photographing device A will be described. First, as the photographing switch 6 is turned on, the microcomputer 17 is operated, and as shown in FIG. 28, the light source selection switches hs1 to hs4 are set at regular intervals. Each time the automatic control state is turned on sequentially. That is, when the first light source selection switch hs1 is first turned ON, the light receiving filter 12 is switched to the infrared LED 2b, and the first analog switch sw1 is turned on to enter the irradiation photographing state by the infrared LED 2b. Similarly, an irradiation shooting situation with the white LED 2a, a shooting situation with the ultraviolet LED 1 (2c), and an irradiation shooting situation with the ultraviolet LED 2 (2d) are automatic operation modes that are repeated in this order. Therefore, the image taken into the memory 18 is taken by the imaging means 3 using the four types of irradiation light emitting units 2a to 2d in sequence. Image processing can be performed between these images to display on the monitor M.

  Further, the diagnostic imaging device A may be configured to have a blue LED as an irradiation unit and be usable as a photopolymerization irradiation device. According to this, by adding a blue LED (light emitting diode) to the light emitting part for irradiation, it is not only a photographic device for diagnosis, but also, for example, photopolymerization irradiation for curing the photopolymerization resin filled in the teeth. Since it can also be used as an instrument, it can be a convenient and excellent one having the function of a therapeutic instrument while being an imaging instrument. As a result, it is possible to continue the sclerotherapy with a single instrument without changing to another instrument while performing diagnostic imaging.

  Various examples of the filter will be described with reference to FIGS. 29A and 29B, FIGS. 30A and 30B, and FIGS. 31A and 31B. In FIG. 29 (a), the ring-shaped part in the vicinity (directly below) of the irradiation light source is a support material part 11s made of transparent glass or synthetic resin, and the central part in the vicinity (directly below) of the imaging means is The disk-shaped filter 11 formed in the light receiving filter 12 is shown. As shown in FIG. 29B, the filter 11 including only the light receiving filter 12 may be used. In FIG. 30A as an example of the irradiation filter 13, the central portion near (directly below) the imaging means is disposed on the support member portion 11s made of transparent glass or synthetic resin and on the outer peripheral side thereof. A disk-shaped filter 11 in which an outer ring-shaped portion in the vicinity of the irradiation light source is formed on the irradiation filter 13 is shown. As shown in FIG. 30B, a filter 11 composed only of the ring-shaped irradiation filter 13 may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), a light receiving filter 12 in which a filter member is coated on the surface of the central portion of the disk-like support portion 11s, or a disc-like shape as shown in FIG. 31 (b). An irradiation filter 13 in which the surface of the outer peripheral portion of the support portion 11s is coated with a filter member in a ring shape may be used. Further, the light receiving filter 12 and the irradiation filter 13 by the coating shown in FIGS. 31 (a) and 31 (b) may be formed in a composite manner on one disk-like support portion 11s.

  FIG. 32 shows an example in which the irradiation means is detachable. The diagnostic imaging device A in the figure is provided with an imaging unit 50 for imaging an imaging target on a main body 1 that can be supported by fingers, and the imaging unit 50 has irradiation means 2 for irradiating the imaging target with light. And a CCD 3a as the image pickup means 3, a light receiving filter 12 (which constitutes the image pickup means 3) for passing only light of a specific wavelength and sending it to the CCD 3a, and the irradiation means 2 are attached to and detached from the image pickup section 50 It has a freely deployed structure.

  That is, an annular receiving portion 57 that supports the light receiving filter 12 is formed immediately below the CCD 3a in the front end side case 5c, and a pair of receiving electrodes 58 are provided in the vicinity of the periphery of the receiving portion 57. Has been. The annular support member 53 having a pair of convex electrodes 55 that are in electrical contact with the receiving electrodes 58 is fixed to the annular mounting member 51 having a rubber inner diameter that is fixed to the distal end side case 5c. A plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 electrically connected to the pair of convex electrodes 55 are provided on the lower surface side of the annular support member 53. 61 is a lead wire for the irradiation means 2 or the CCD 3a.

  Therefore, if the support member 53 is fitted into the annular mounting member 51 and attached, each convex electrode 55 comes into contact with the corresponding receiving electrode 58 and becomes electrically conductive, and the support member 53 is attached in an annular shape. If it is taken out from the member 51, the conductive state between each convex electrode 55 and the receiving electrode 58 is also interrupted. Therefore, if various support members 53 equipped with LEDs 2 of different colors and other irradiation means 2 are prepared in advance, the irradiation means 2 can be easily changed to different specifications by changing the support members 53. it can. In addition, although the example which supports the filter 12 for light reception was described, it cannot be overemphasized that such a support structure is applicable also to the filter for irradiation.

  FIG. 33 shows an example in which the irradiation means and the filter are integrated and detachable. The diagnostic imaging device A in the figure has a structure in which an irradiating means (LED) 2 and a light receiving filter 12 are integrally provided in a detachable manner on the imaging unit 50. This example also includes a structure in which the light receiving filter 12 is detachably disposed on the photographing unit 50. The structure shown in FIG. 33 is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 32 except that the shape of the support member 53 is changed to support both the irradiation means 2 and the light receiving filter 12. It is that. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the example shown in FIG. 32, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The support member 53 may be made of rubber, and the light receiving filter 12 may be detachably mounted on the support member 53. It goes without saying that this support structure can also be applied to support the filter for irradiation.

  In the diagnostic imaging device A shown in FIG. 33, the irradiation means 2 and the light receiving filter 12 can be attached to the imaging unit 50 as the support member 53 is attached to the annular attachment member 51, and the annular attachment member of the support member 53 is provided. The irradiating means 2 and the light receiving filter 12 can be detached from the photographing unit 50 along with the removal from the photographing unit 51. That is, the irradiation unit 2 for irradiating the object to be diagnosed with light to the body 1 that can be supported by fingers, the CCD 3a as the imaging unit 3, and the light receiving filter for passing only light of a specific wavelength to the CCD 3a. 12 is a diagnostic imaging device A in which the irradiation unit 2 is detachably mounted on the main body 1 together with the light receiving filter 12 (which constitutes a part of the imaging unit 3).

  According to this structure, the light receiving filter 12 can be easily replaced and the specification can be easily changed by attaching and detaching the support member 53, and the LED 2 (that is, the irradiation means 2) can be changed and set in any way. Therefore, since diagnosis can be performed using light of various wavelengths, a diagnostic imaging device A that is more convenient and easy to use can be obtained.

  FIG. 34 shows a diagnostic imaging device provided with a modification of the tip side case shown in FIG. The diagnostic imaging device A shown in the figure forms an opening 54, which is a light guide path to a CCD (imaging means) 3a, and an annular step opening 52 formed in the periphery of the distal end case 5c. A support member 53 provided with the light receiving filter 12 (a part of the image pickup means 3) and a plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 arranged around the light receiving filter 12 is provided at the step opening 52 at the same time with the front end side case 5c. The structure is provided so as to be detachable. Although not shown, a pair of terminal electrodes for the LED 2 are provided on the outer periphery of the support member 53 and the inner periphery of the step opening 52 so as to be electrically connected with the mounting of the support member 53 and removed. Continuing is interrupted. Since other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 35 is a partially cutaway partial longitudinal sectional view showing an example in which the imaging means includes an optical path changing means, and FIG. 36 is a bottom view thereof. In the diagnostic imaging device A in the figure, a CCD 3 a as an imaging means 3 is disposed in the front side portion 4 of the main body 1 with its optical axis along the longitudinal direction of the main body 1. A mirror (or prism) 81 as an optical path changing means is attached to the inner surface on the front end side so as to have an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis, and an inner cylinder portion between the mirror 81 and the CCD 3a is The imaging light guide path 80 is used. The light guide path 80 is provided with a relay lens 82 and a relay lens 83 movable along the optical axis. The mirror 81 and the relay lenses 82 and 83 constitute an optical system for forming an optical image on the CCD 3a. Has been. The CCD 3a and the optical system constitute the image pickup means 3.

  A light receiving filter 12 is detachably mounted in the middle of the cylindrical front side portion 4 and in the vicinity of the front side (tip side) of the relay lens 82. Reference numeral 12 a denotes a cap that prevents the light receiving filter 12 from coming off. Therefore, if various light receiving filters having different wavelength characteristics are prepared, the filter can be easily replaced according to the purpose of diagnosis. If an appropriate moving mechanism along the optical axis direction is added to the relay lens 83, a zoom mechanism is configured. Although the relay lenses 82 and 83 are shown as convex lenses in the drawing, it is not limited to convex lenses, and it goes without saying that any lens may be used as long as it has a function of transmitting an optical image.

  The front side portion 4 is formed with a light incident opening 84 that opens in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, and the opening 84 and the light guide path 80 communicate with each other. An annular support member 85 having a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) LEDs (irradiation means) 2 spaced along the circumferential direction is detachably attached to the periphery of the opening 84. A male receiving electrode 86 corresponding to each LED 2 is formed on the back surface of the annular support member 85, and when the annular support member 85 is attached to the front side portion 4, a female supply electrode 87 formed on the front side portion 4. It is designed to be joined electrically. The plurality of LEDs 2 can be constituted by a combination of a plurality of types of LEDs that emit light of different wavelengths, as described above, and various diagnostic image information can be obtained by activation light emission control based on these appropriate time sequences. Of course, any one of the plurality of LEDs 2 can be selectively irradiated, and the light receiving filter 12 having a wavelength characteristic corresponding to the selected LED 2 can be selectively mounted. The fitting / joining relationship between the male and female electrodes 86 and 87 constitutes an attachment / detachment mechanism for the annular support member 85, and the irradiation means 2 can be attached with one touch. Further, if another annular support member 85 having different types of LEDs 2 is prepared, it is possible to obtain more multifaceted diagnostic image information by selectively exchanging them.

  Thus, the light irradiated from the irradiation means 2 is irradiated to a diagnosis target part such as a tooth, and the reflected light or fluorescence is emitted from the diagnosis target part according to the wavelength characteristic of the diagnosis target part based on the type of the irradiation means 2. Etc. are emitted. Optical image light based on these radiations enters the front side portion 4 from the opening 84, is reflected by the mirror 81 at 90 degrees, passes through the light receiving filter 12, travels through the light guide path 80, and relay lens 82. , 83 and focused on the CCD 3a. Note that the attachment position of the light receiving filter 12 is not limited to the illustrated example, and any position is possible as long as it is on the light guide path 80. It goes without saying that other joining means may be employed in place of the male and female electrodes 86 and 87 by separately providing a means for connecting the electric wire to the irradiation means 2.

  In the usage mode of the diagnostic imaging device A described above, first, when a normal visible light image is captured, the illumination light source 2 is a white LED and the light receiving filter 12 is not provided. Next, when photographing dental calculus, dental plaque, etc., the irradiation means 2 that emits light having a wavelength of 375 ± 25 nm is set, and the light receiving filter 12 transmits light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more. Set. In this manner, when the excitation light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 2 and a fluorescent image is to be obtained in the CCD 3a, a filter that cuts the irradiated excitation light is used as the light receiving filter 12 to avoid the influence of the excitation light. To do so is the same as above. For photopolymerization, as an example, the irradiation means 2 that emits light having a wavelength of 480 ± 20 nm is set. In this case, no light is received, so no filter is necessary.

  FIG. 37 shows a modified example of the diagnostic imaging device A employing the optical path changing means. A plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are arranged around the opening 84 similar to the above in the front side portion 4. The composite filter 11 in which the light receiving filter 12 and the irradiation filter 13 are integrated is detachably mounted in the opening 84 in a state where the composite filter 11 is supported by the support member 88. The irradiation filter 13 is disposed so as to face the light emitting surface of the irradiation unit 2, and the light receiving filter 12 is disposed so as to cover the opening 84 in the light guide path 80. Since these filter functions are also the same as described above, a description thereof will be omitted.

  In this way, if a configuration is adopted in which an optical image is formed on the CCD 3a via the optical system, it is not necessary to provide the CCD 3a on the front end side of the front side portion 4, and a mirror 81 or the like is disposed on the front end side. Therefore, the tip end side of the front side portion 4 can be designed to be low in volume, increasing its suitability as a dental photographing instrument used by being inserted into the oral cavity, and its practical value is enormous. .

  FIG. 38 shows an example in which the imaging means includes an optical path changing means as in the fifteenth embodiment, and the front side portion 4 is separable into a head portion 4a and a base portion 4b. Common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. That is, a mirror (or prism) 81 as an optical path changing means is attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical head portion 4a so as to have an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis. A CCD 3a is installed in the base portion 4b. When the head portion 4a and the base portion 4b are coupled via a coupling means 90 described later, the inner cylindrical portion between the mirror 81 and the CCD 3a is guided by imaging light. An optical path 80 is provided.

  A relay lens 82 is disposed in the head portion 4a along the light guide path 80, and a relay lens 83 movable along the optical axis is disposed in the base portion 4b. The mirror 81 and the relay lenses 82 and 83 respectively An optical system for forming an optical image on the imaging means 3 is configured. An opening 84 for incident light that opens in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the head portion 4a is formed, and the opening 84 and the light guide path 80 communicate with each other. In the vicinity of the front side (front end side) of the relay lens 82, the light receiving filter 12 is mounted.

  A plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the opening 84. Each LED 2 is connected to a lead wire 91a embedded in the wall portion of the head portion 4a, and the lead wire 91a is connected to a male electrode 91 protruding from the end surface on the base 4b side of the head portion 4a. Yes. On the other hand, female electrodes 92 are recessed corresponding to the male electrodes 91 on the end surface of the base 4b on the head portion 4a side, and these female electrodes 92 are embedded in the wall of the base 4b. It is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) in the main body 1 via lead wires 92a.

  The fitting means 90 of the head part 4a and the base part 4b is formed by the fitting relationship between the male electrodes 91 and the female electrodes 92, and an electrical joint between the electrodes is formed. Therefore, the head 4a can be easily attached to and detached from the base 4b. As a result, the male electrodes 91 and the female electrodes 92 are electrically joined, and power is supplied from the power supply unit to the LED 2 by appropriate operation of the switch, and the startup light emission is performed.

  In the configuration as described above, if various head portions 4a are prepared by combining various light receiving filters 12 having different wavelength characteristics and various LEDs 2 having different light emission characteristics, the head portions 4a are coupled to each other. By appropriately selecting and attaching to the base 4b via 90, it is possible to carry out multi-face diagnostic imaging according to the state of the diagnosis target or the purpose of diagnosis.

  That is, if the LED 2 is a white LED and the head portion 4a without the light receiving filter 12 (including simple glass) is used, a visible light image by reflected light from the diagnosis target can be obtained, and the LED 2 is an excitation light LED. If the head part 4a equipped with the light receiving filter 12 that cuts the excitation light is used, a clear fluorescent image to be diagnosed can be obtained. Furthermore, if the LED 2 is an infrared LED, and the head portion 4a to which the light receiving filter 12 that passes only the reflected light from the diagnosis target portion by the irradiated infrared light is used, a clear infrared reflected image can be obtained. In this case, since a reflected image is obtained, a light receiving filter is originally unnecessary. However, when strong sunlight enters the imaging unit 3, the infrared reflected image is masked by sunlight. The light receiving filter 12 may be required.

  In addition, a plurality of LEDs 2 having different light emission characteristics can be attached to one head portion 4a so that the light emission can be appropriately controlled, and a plurality of light receiving filters 12 having different wavelength characteristics can be replaced. Various diagnostic image information can be obtained according to the state of the part and the purpose of diagnosis. In addition to the effects of the diagnostic imaging device A of the fifteenth embodiment, the diagnostic imaging device A of the present embodiment is notable in that more diverse diagnostic image information can be obtained. In addition, it goes without saying that the attaching / detaching mechanism of the irradiation means 2 and the attaching / detaching mechanism of the composite filter 11 in the fifteenth embodiment can also be adopted in this embodiment. Needless to say, the mechanisms and control systems of the above-described embodiments can be selectively applied to the diagnostic imaging device A of Embodiments 15 and 16.

  39 to 41 show an example of a dental mirror type diagnostic imaging device, and the diagnostic imaging device A of the illustrated example is attached to a frame body 72 attached to the tip of a support bar portion 71 held by fingers. An LED (irradiation means) 2, a CCD (imaging means) 3a, and a light receiving filter 12 are arranged to form a compact dental mirror type. The frame body 72 includes a circular bottom wall 72a, a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 72b, and a cylindrical partition wall 72c. Four LEDs 2 are arranged between the outer peripheral wall 72b and the partition wall 72c, and the partition wall A CCD 3a is disposed inside 72c.

  The four LEDs 2 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the CCD 3a every 90 degrees, and are covered with an annular transparent glass 73 provided between the outer peripheral wall 72b and the partition wall 72c. Inside the partition wall 72c, a disc-shaped light receiving filter 12 for the CCD 3a is provided so as to serve as a cover. Thus, since it is a very compact diagnostic imaging device A, it is possible to image a diagnostic target region (imaging target) such as in the oral cavity with good operability and convenience by the same operation as using a dental mirror. . A part of the transparent glass 73 may be used as a filter for irradiation.

  As the outer shape of the diagnostic imaging device A described above, the imaging means 3 and the irradiation means 2 are configured so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body 1 (FIGS. 1 to 5), or bend-shaped configuration with an angle. Also, a linear configuration (actual fairness 6-30163) in which the imaging means and the light source for irradiation are arranged in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body at the distal end portion may be used. In addition, the control box H shown in FIG. 2 can be configured as an ultra-compact one having a mobile phone, a display function of this level, and a control function, and a diagnostic photographing device connected to the main body 1 is also possible. is there.

The LED as the irradiation means 2 may be any one that irradiates one or more of excitation light (preferably single wavelength excitation light), infrared light, and ultraviolet light. Further, it may be a LE D wavelength switchable. The LED may have not only infrared rays, near infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, and near ultraviolet rays but also red, orange, purple, blue, and green regions that are visible light regions.

  In this diagnostic imaging device A, in addition to an image obtained by a white light source, excitation is performed by irradiating reflected light generated from an imaging target or excitation light, which is obtained by using highly penetrating infrared light or the like. By receiving fluorescence, caries, detection of initial caries, observation of the degree of caries, confirmation of caries progress, tooth alteration, gingival change can be photographed and diagnosed, and whether there is damage It can diagnose the presence or absence of calculus, the adhesion status of calculus, the condition of restoration, etc., and provides a solid-state image sensor for intraoral observation and diagnosis that is small, low cost, and easy to handle. be able to. In other words, since the imaging unit can receive the fluorescence generated by the reflected light and / or the excitation light irradiated from the diagnostic object by the irradiation unit, a predetermined diagnostic image can be formed. It is very useful because it can quickly and easily know the status of caries and gingiva, and can make an accurate diagnosis while being a compact camera-type camera.

It is a top view which shows an example of the imaging device for diagnosis of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the diagnostic imaging device. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 4. It is an enlarged bottom view of the main body front side part. It is a partial longitudinal section notched front view of the same side part. It is a figure which shows an example of the picked-up image of the tooth | gear in an intraoral area. It is an effect | action figure which shows the diagnosis condition in the oral cavity by the imaging device for diagnosis. It is a block diagram which shows the whole system using a cordless type diagnostic imaging device. It is a block diagram which shows the whole system using a wired diagnostic imaging device and a personal computer. It is a figure which shows the irradiation time chart of each light emission source. It is a figure which shows the contrast graph of the radiation intensity of the carious tooth and healthy tooth by irradiation of excitation light. It is a figure which shows the relative fluorescence intensity graph of the carious tooth and healthy tooth by excitation light irradiation. It is a control block diagram which shows an example of the switching structure of the light source for irradiation. It is a bottom view which shows another structure of a filter switching means. It is sectional drawing of the principal part which shows another structure of a filter switching means. FIG. 16 is a side view of FIG. 15 and a block diagram of automatic filter switching means. It is a control block diagram in which a light source and a filter are automatically set by an irradiation switch operation. It is a figure which shows the synchronous time chart of light source selection and filter switching. The attachment / detachment structure by the slide of a filter is shown, (a) is a front view of a notch of a tip part, (b) is a side view of a notch, and (c) is an enlarged view of a rail groove. The attachment / detachment structure of a filter part is shown, (a) is a bottom view of a cover body, (b) shows a cross-sectional side view of the cover body. The detachable structure of a front-end | tip part is shown, (a) is a side view by the side of an imaging device, (b) is a disassembled perspective view of the state isolate | separated. It is a side view which shows the imaging device for another Example field diagnosis. The front-end | tip part structure of FIG. 22 is shown, (a) is a side view, (b) is a partial bottom view. 22 shows another structure of the tip part of FIG. 22, (a) is a side view, and (b) is a partial bottom view. It is a whole side view which shows the imaging device for diagnosis of another Example. It is a control block diagram which shows the other example of the switching structure of the light source for irradiation. It is a figure which shows the time chart of the imaging | photography sequence accompanying imaging | photography switch operation. It is a figure which shows the synchronous time chart of several light source selection and several filter switching. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows the typical example of the filter for light reception. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows the representative example of the filter for light sources. (A) is the light reception filter by coating, (b) is a perspective view which respectively shows the filter for light sources by coating. It is sectional drawing of the imaging | photography part of a structure where an irradiation means is detachable. It is sectional drawing of the imaging | photography part of the structure where an irradiation means and a filter are integrated and detachable. It is sectional drawing of the imaging | photography part of another structure to which an irradiation means and a filter are integrated and detachable. It is a partial notch partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diagnostic imaging device which employ | adopted the optical path change means. It is the bottom view. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the modification. It is the same figure as FIG. 35 of another Example of the imaging device for diagnosis which employ | adopted the optical path change means. It is a side view of a notch of a dental mirror type diagnostic imaging device. It is a principal part top view of the diagnostic imaging device of FIG. It is a perspective view of the diagnostic imaging device of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Irradiation means 3 Imaging means, CCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Front part 4a Head part 4b Base part 6 Imaging switch 7 Light source selection switch 12 Light reception filter 13 Irradiation filter 14 Diagnosis object 16 Automatic sequence imaging switch 18 Memory 25 Cover body 28 Motor 30 Switching control means 31 Rail groove 81 Mirror (optical path) Change means)
90 coupling means 91, 92 male and female electrical joint B image storage means C automatic photographing control means E filter attaching / detaching means F filter switching means D irradiation light source selecting means

Claims (25)

A handpiece-shaped body that can be operated by fingers;
An LED attached to the front side portion of the main body, and an irradiating means capable of irradiating one or more lights of specific wavelengths of excitation light, infrared light and ultraviolet light , and white light ,
Imaging means provided on the front side portion of the main body ;
A control box and
The imaging unit receives reflected light reflected from the diagnostic object and / or fluorescence generated from the diagnostic object when the light from the irradiation unit is irradiated to the diagnostic object, and predetermined diagnostic image information be one that outputs, a solid-state imaging device, and more become the optical means for forming an optical image of a diagnosis target with respect to solid-state image capturing device,
The optical means comprises a light receiving filter that passes only light in a specific wavelength range,
The light receiving filter is attached to a front side portion of the main body at a position close to a light receiving portion of the imaging means,
The main body or the control box is provided with image storage means for recording / saving diagnostic image information taken by the imaging means as a still image,
It said image storage means, by operating the photographing switch, by executing a specified time sequence, each to be selectively irradiated with irradiation light of different wavelengths, the image storing diagnostic image captured by the imaging means A diagnostic photographing apparatus comprising automatic photographing control means for sequentially storing and holding in a memory included in the means . The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 1,
The diagnostic photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical means further includes an optical path changing means for changing an optical path of light emitted from the diagnosis target. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein
The tip side portion, the head portion and, diagnostic imaging device, characterized in that there is a separable into a base portion including the solid-state imaging device including the optical path changing means. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 1 ,
The diagnostic imaging apparatus, wherein the front side portion includes a detachable attachment that forms a part of the front side portion, and the optical means and the irradiation means are attached to the attachment. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the LED is capable of switching a wavelength of emitted light. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein
The diagnostic photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation means is provided in a head portion of the front side portion. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the front side portion is formed to be detachable from the main body. In the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The diagnostic imaging apparatus, wherein the irradiation unit further includes an irradiation filter that is disposed in proximity to the LED and allows only light in a specific wavelength region of light emitted from the LED to pass therethrough. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein
The head portion is provided with the irradiation means, and the separable function in the front side portion is performed by a coupling means that allows the head portion and the base portion to be detachable from each other. An imaging device for diagnosis characterized in that an electrical junction for supplying power is interposed. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
A diagnostic photographing apparatus comprising a filter attaching / detaching means for detachably attaching the light receiving filter to a front side portion of the main body. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
A filter unit including a plurality of types of light receiving filters is attached to the front side portion of the main body via filter switching means for selectively switching the light receiving filters to predetermined positions. A diagnostic imaging device. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 10 , wherein
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the filter attaching / detaching means is constituted by a rail groove that allows the light receiving filter to be attached and detached by sliding. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 10 , wherein
The diagnostic photographing device according to claim 1, wherein the filter attaching / detaching means includes the light receiving filter, and is configured by a cover body that can be engaged with and detached from the front side portion. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 11 , wherein
The filter unit includes the plurality of types of light-receiving filters around an axis center of an axis parallel to or perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the imaging unit or the irradiation unit, and rotatable around the axis. A diagnostic imaging device, characterized by being attached to be. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 14 , wherein
The switching means is configured to drive and rotate the filter unit around the axis and to drive and control the motor based on a filter switching command signal to selectively switch and position the light receiving filter to a predetermined position. A diagnostic photographing device comprising switching control means. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 15 ,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the filter switching command signal is controlled in synchronization with an irradiation signal of the irradiation means. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 ,
A diagnostic imaging apparatus, wherein a plurality of the irradiation means are arranged around a light receiving portion of the imaging means. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 ,
The irradiation means includes a plurality of LEDs that emit light of different wavelengths, and provided with an irradiation driving means for selectively irradiating any one or a plurality of LEDs from the plurality of LEDs. A diagnostic imaging device. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 18 , wherein
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the irradiation driving means is configured to perform irradiation driving for selectively emitting light from the plurality of LEDs by time division control. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 16 or 17 ,
The irradiation unit includes a plurality of LEDs that emit light having different wavelengths, and includes an irradiation driving unit for selectively irradiating any one or a plurality of LEDs from the plurality of LEDs, and the filter A diagnostic imaging device, wherein a switching command signal is controlled to be switched to a light receiving filter corresponding to a selected LED in synchronization with an input signal of the irradiation driving means. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 20 ,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the irradiation driving means includes a light source selection switch mounted on the main body, a control box, or a foot pedal. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 20 ,
Before SL filter switching instruction signal is synchronized with the irradiation of the irradiation means which is selected according to the imaging sequence from the irradiation light source which is specified in advance in accordance with an input signal of the photographing switch, and a radiation means corresponding to the photographing sequence A diagnostic imaging device characterized in that a light receiving filter corresponding to irradiation can be switched. In diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22,
A diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising a power source and a wireless transmitter in the main body, and capable of transmitting diagnostic image information obtained by an imaging means to an external receiving device in a cordless manner. In diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
The wavelength of light emitted from the irradiating means is 400 ± 30 nm, and the light receiving filter provided in the vicinity of the light receiving portion of the imaging means passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more. A diagnostic imaging device characterized by that. In diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 24,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the irradiation means further includes an LED that emits light having a wavelength of 480 ± 20 nm suitable for curing a photopolymerization resin.

Images