JP2000014638A - Dental diagnostic system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dental diagnostic system that is easier to use by enhancing the controllability of the system comprising an intraoral camera and a display device, or the like. SOLUTION: In this dental diagnostic system, an intraoral camera 10 is provided with operation means 14a, 14b, etc., for operating a receiving device 20, so that images displayed on the display portions 31, 41 of the receiving device 20 can be stored or printed out as still pictures or the personal computer of the receiving device can be operated using the operation means as pointing devices. Therefore, the receiving device 20 can be operated from the intraoral camera 10 during diagnosis or imaging, leading to enhanced controllability.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intraoral camera which converts an optical image of a photographed object into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal, and receives a signal output from the intraoral camera and displays the signal on a display unit. The present invention relates to a dental diagnosis system including a display device and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A dental diagnostic system of this kind is a system in which an intraoral camera and a display device are connected by a cable or wirelessly, and the display device is relatively large and is attached to a medical chair for a patient, for example. It is often provided on a medical table or the like. The dentist performs imaging and diagnosis while looking at the image on the display device, and provides explanations to the patient while reproducing and displaying the recorded image on the display device as necessary, but the conventional system operates the display device etc. Since the function is not provided in the intraoral camera, for example, when recording an image being photographed or reproducing the image to show the image to the patient and explain it, the operation unit on the display device side must be operated each time. It was inconvenient.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention focuses on these points and improves the operability of a dental diagnosis system by providing a function of operating a display device or the like in an intraoral camera to obtain a more user-friendly system. Was made as an issue.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the dental diagnosis system of the present invention is to provide a radio transmission system which converts an optical image of a photographed object into an electric signal and incorporates the same. A cordless type intraoral camera transmitted from the device, display means for receiving a transmission signal from the intraoral camera and displaying it on a display unit, and storage means for storing an image displayed on the display unit as a still image And a receiving device having at least an operating means for operating the receiving device in the intraoral camera.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intraoral camera for converting an optical image of a photographed object into an electric signal and transmitting the electric signal from a wireless transmitter connected via a cable, and a transmission signal from the transmitter. And a receiving device having at least a storage unit for storing an image displayed on the display unit as a still image, and a receiving device for receiving the image displayed on the display unit as a still image. Operation means for operating is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intraoral camera which converts an optical image of a photographed object into an electric signal and transmits the electric signal via a cable, and a display unit which receives a transmission signal from the intraoral camera and receives the signal. And a receiving device having at least a storage unit for storing an image displayed on the display unit as a still image, and an operation unit for operating the receiving device in the intraoral camera. ing.

[0007] With the above configuration, it is possible to operate the display means and the storage means of the receiving device by the operation means of the intraoral camera when performing diagnosis or photographing using the intraoral camera. Therefore, it is not necessary to directly operate the display means and the like, so that the operability is improved and a more user-friendly system can be obtained. The first invention and the second invention
In the wireless transmission of the signal from the intraoral camera as in the invention of the first aspect, a cable between the intraoral camera and the display means is not required, so that the cable is not bothersome. With a completely cordless type, the operability of the camera is further improved.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, the operation means provided in the intraoral camera has at least a function of issuing an instruction to store an image displayed on the display unit as a still image. With such a configuration, it is possible to capture and store a necessary image at a desired timing, and to reproduce and display the image after photographing for examination and explanation.

The operating means provided in the intraoral camera has at least a function of issuing a command to print out an image displayed on the display unit. With such a configuration, a necessary image can be printed at a desired timing, and can be used for examination and explanation after photographing.

[0010] Further, the operation means provided in the intraoral camera may have at least a function of a pointing device. Here, the pointing device is, for example, a function equivalent to a general mouse for computer operation, that is, a pointing function of freely moving a pointing mark such as a mouse cursor displayed on a display unit, and a plurality of switches. It has at least a click function. With such a configuration, not only the above-described storage of the still image and the printout of the image, but also various other operations can be performed.

The above-mentioned intraoral camera can be provided with a finder unit for displaying an image of the object converted into an electric signal. With such a configuration, the doctor can observe and photograph the target affected area without moving the line of sight greatly from the imaging region and looking at the display unit on the receiving device side.

In each of the above inventions, the receiving device may be a computer. This makes it possible to utilize not only the display function and the storage function as described above, but also various other functions provided in the computer.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, a secondary battery is mounted on the intraoral camera as a power supply for operation, and the receiving device includes:
A holding section having a function of holding the intraoral camera and charging the secondary battery during holding can be provided. With such a configuration, the secondary battery of the camera can be charged while the intraoral camera is not used.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned inventions, the display means of the receiving device can be a portable display device. In this case, for example, a leg that can also be used as a hand-held handle,
It is desirable to provide a magnet type suction device or the like. With such a configuration, it is possible to perform imaging and diagnosis by arranging the display device at an optimal position for the dentist, or to perform diagnosis and explanation by arranging the display means at a position that is easy for the patient to see.

The portable display device may be of a cordless type having a battery as a power source for operation, and may be provided with a mirror if necessary. With such a configuration, it is easy to arrange the display device at an optimum position, and it is also possible to use the display device as a hand mirror for reflecting an affected part or the like in order to confirm information obtained by an image. A system that can be used in a variety of ways can be obtained.

In the above configuration, there may be a plurality of receiving devices in the system. This makes it possible to display the signal from the intraoral camera on a plurality of display means, for example, displaying images on the display unit for the doctor and the display unit for the patient, and showing the captured image to the patient. It is possible to use it to make a diagnosis while explaining. Further, in this case, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an arbitrary one is selected from a plurality of display means and the display is performed only on the corresponding display means.

As described above, even in a system including a plurality of receiving devices, at least one of the receiving devices is configured according to the above-described configuration.
The table may be a computer, or at least one of the receiving devices may be provided with a holding unit for holding the intraoral camera, and at least a part of the plurality of display means may be a portable display device. It is also possible to arbitrarily implement the portable display device as a cordless type having a built-in battery or a device having a mirror.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention, in which, in the first invention which is a complete cordless system without a connecting cable, a receiving device is provided with two display devices. . FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are block diagrams of each device constituting the system. In FIG.
Is a receiving device, 30 is a first display device, and 40 is a second display device.

The intraoral camera 10 has a lens portion 11 provided at the front end of a body 10A, a charging terminal 12, a finder unit 13 and the like provided at a rear end portion, and push-button operation switches 14a and 14b provided on an outer surface at a central portion. Is provided. Further, inside the body 10A, for example, a photoelectric conversion unit 16 combining a CCD sensor and an optical system, a transmitter 17 and the like are provided, and a control unit 18 for controlling the entire operation as shown in FIG. , A secondary battery 19 for operating power supply, a light source lamp 11-1 provided in the lens unit 11, and the like. As will be described later, the operation switch 14a is for operating a memory, and the operation switch 14b is for operating a printer.
Switches for other purposes such as operation of the camera itself are not shown.

The captured optical image of the object is converted into a photoelectric conversion unit 1.
At 6, it is converted into an electric image signal and transmitted from a built-in wireless transmitter 17. The finder unit 13
For example, the display device is a small-sized display device including a liquid crystal display panel and a driver circuit of the display panel, and is configured to display an image obtained by the photoelectric conversion unit 16.

The image signal in this example is a signal obtained by converting the output of the CCD sensor into a signal that can be used as it is for two-dimensional image display. For example, when the finder unit 13 is not provided, photoelectric conversion is performed. The electric signal output from the unit 16 may be kept in the form of the output signal of the CCD sensor and transmitted from the transmitter 17. In this case, the receiving device 20 only needs to convert the image signal into a two-dimensional image signal. Therefore, there is no need to perform a complicated signal conversion on the camera 10 side, and the control unit 18 can be simplified. This is advantageous for miniaturization.

The first display device 30 is a relatively large one that is mainly used by a dentist, and is attached, for example, to a medical table attached to a patient's medical chair. A display unit 31 made of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel is provided on a front surface of the main body case 30A, and a holding unit 32 is provided on a side surface.
Is provided. A receiver 33 is built in the main body case 30A. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in addition to a control unit 34 for controlling the entire operation, a memory 35, a power supply circuit 36, a charging circuit 37, and an external device connection A terminal 38 and the like are provided. In the case where a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) is incorporated in the examination chair, the personal computer can be used as it is as part or all of the receiving device 20, and in that case, the display of the personal computer can be used. The display device 3 in this system
0 can be used as it is.

The holding section 32 holds the intraoral camera 10,
A power supply terminal 37-1 is provided at a position corresponding to the charging terminal 12 of the camera 10, and has a function of charging the secondary battery 19 of the camera 10 during holding. A voltage is supplied. The receiver 33 is for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitter 17 of the intraoral camera 10, and an image obtained by the reception is displayed on the display unit 31. The memory 35 is, for example, a frame memory, and operates the operation switch 14 of the intraoral camera 10.
By operating a, the image displayed on the display unit 31 at that time is captured and stored as a still two-dimensional image.

The power supply circuit 36 converts AC power supplied from the commercial power supply plug 39 into DC power of a voltage required by each circuit and supplies the DC power. The secondary battery 36-1 can be charged when a commercial power source is obtained by incorporating the secondary battery 36-1. The external device connection terminal 38 is for connecting the display device 30 to an external device 38a such as a personal computer or a printer indicated by a dashed line. When the operation switch 14b of the intraoral camera 10 is operated, a command signal is transmitted through the terminal 38. Is transmitted to drive an external printer, and the image displayed on the display unit 31 at that time is printed out as a two-dimensional image.

The second display device 40 is mainly intended for use by a patient, and is a small portable device whose installation place is not limited. A display unit 41 made of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel is provided on the front surface of the main body case 40A, a leg unit 42 which can be used as a hand-held handle is provided on the lower surface, and a mirror 43 is provided on the back surface. The mirror 43 may be provided on the side surface or on a plurality of surfaces, may be provided on the front surface without covering the display unit 41, or may be attached to the leg unit 42. A receiver 44 is built in the main body case 40A. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in addition to a control unit 45 for controlling the entire operation, a memory 46, a battery 4
7 and the like are provided.

The leg 42 serves as a leg when the display device 40 is placed at an arbitrary place, or as a handle for holding the display device 40 with a hand like a hand mirror. Instead of the legs 42 as shown in the figure, a structure in which, for example, a magnet type suction device is provided on the back surface and fixed to a cabinet or the like, or a hook-shaped locking portion is provided so as to be hooked on something and supported. Is also possible. The receiver 44 is for receiving an image signal transmitted from the transmitter 17 of the intraoral camera 10, and the received image is displayed on the display unit 41. Memory 4
Reference numeral 6 denotes a frame memory, for example.
By operating the operation switch 14a, the image displayed on the display unit 41 at that time is stored as a stationary two-dimensional image.

The transmission and reception between the transmitter 17 and the receivers 33 and 44 are performed by a communication method using radio waves, but other communication methods such as those using infrared rays may be used.
Although an amplifier circuit is not shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, an amplifier circuit and other circuits may be provided as needed, and the block diagram shown is an example and exhibits the same function. If so, another appropriate circuit configuration may be adopted, or a part or all of the control circuit may be configured by a microcomputer.

The operation switch 1 of the intraoral camera 10
Reference numeral 4a denotes a memory operation switch, and the operation switch 14b is a dedicated switch for printer operation. Needless to say, switches necessary for performing other operations may be appropriately provided.

This embodiment has a configuration as described above, and is a complete cordless system without a connecting cable. In addition, since the patient can hold the second display device 40 like a hand mirror, the image being captured is displayed on the display unit 41 of the display device 40, and imaging, diagnosis, explanation, and the like are performed while showing the patient. It can be performed. In addition, by providing the finder unit 13 in the intraoral camera 10, the dentist can not only see a clear image that is largely displayed on the first display device 30, but also use the finder unit 13 to shoot. Observation and imaging of the target affected area can be performed without greatly moving the line of sight from the site.

Further, the patient can hold the second display device 40 in his / her hand and observe his / her affected part while listening to the image while watching the display part 41, or listen to the explanation of a doctor. It can be performed efficiently. In addition, since the display device 40 is provided with the mirror 43, the display device 40 can be conveniently used as a hand mirror. In addition to the above-described use of the second display device 40, it is also possible to point the finder unit 13 toward the patient and use the image so that the patient looks at the image of the finder unit 13.

The operation switch 1 of the intraoral camera 10
By operating 4a, the image currently displayed on the display unit 31 or 41 at that time is stored in the memories 35 and 46, so that the captured image can be displayed after photographing for examination and explanation. It is convenient. Note that the memories 35 and 46 are not built-in, but may be externally mounted. Similarly, by operating the operation switch 14b of the intraoral camera 10, the image displayed at that time can be printed out from the printer of the external device 38a, which is convenient for examination and explanation after photographing.

Further, by setting the intraoral camera 10 in the holding section 32 of the first display device 30, the camera 10
Can be charged while the battery is not used.

In the above example, two display devices 30 and 40 are provided in the receiving device 20, but the number of display devices can be further increased as necessary. In this case, means for selecting a display device to be displayed may be provided in the camera or each display device, and the display may be performed only on the selected display device.

Next, a second cordless system, which is a partially cordless system in which a cable between an intraoral camera and a display device is eliminated.
An example of the invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control device.

The intraoral camera 10a of this system is the same as the body 1 of the intraoral camera 10 in the system shown in FIG.
From 0A, the charging terminal section 12, the transmitter 17, the control section 18
And the control unit 18 a and the power supply circuit 19 except for the secondary battery 19.
is provided separately, a transmitter 17a is connected to the control device 10-1, and the body 10
A and the control device 10-1 are connected by a camera-side cable 51. Power for operating the circuits in the body 10A is supplied via a cable 51 from a power supply circuit 19a having a commercial power plug 19-1. The transmitter 17a
Can be built in the control device 10-1.

The first display device 30a is the same as the display device 30 in the system shown in FIG. 1 except that the holding unit 32 and the charging circuit 37 and the power supply terminal 37-1 associated therewith are removed. The device 40 is similar to that in the system shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the optical image is converted into an electric image signal by the photoelectric conversion unit 16 and sent to the control device 10-1 via the cable 51 to transmit the optical image to the transmitter 17a. Sent from Finder unit 1
3 and the reception and display on the display devices 30a and 30 and the storage and printout of images associated with the operation of the operation switches 14a and 14b are the same as those in the system shown in FIG.

Next, an example of a third invention which is a system in which the intraoral camera and the display device are directly connected by a video cable will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram thereof.

The intraoral camera 10b of this example is provided with a battery 19b except for the charging terminal unit 12, the transmitter 17, the control unit 18 and the secondary battery 19 from the intraoral camera 10 in the system shown in FIG. The camera 10b and the display device 40b are connected by a video cable 52. The display device 40b corresponds to the second display device 40 shown in FIG. 1 and has a built-in battery 47b except for the receiver 44 from the display device 40, and is similar to the display device 30 shown in FIG. An external device connection terminal 48 is provided. The transmission of the image signal between the camera 10b and the display device 40b is performed, for example, by the same processing as the signal transmission between a normal video camera and a VTR.

This embodiment is configured as described above, and a signal of an image taken by the intraoral camera 10b is directly sent to the display device 40b via the cable 52 and displayed on the display unit 41. The display by the finder unit 13, the display on the display device 40b, the storage and printing of images, and the fact that the display device 40b can be moved or used by hand are the same as those in the system shown in FIG.

The battery 19b of the intraoral camera 10b and the battery 47b of the display device 40b may be either a primary battery or a secondary battery. Also, in the figure, an example is shown in which a battery 19b is provided in the camera 10b and a battery 47b is provided in the display device 40b, but the battery is mounted in only one of them and the video cable 52 as shown by the broken line in the other. May be used to supply power for operation.

Next, a modification of the third invention in which the intraoral camera and the display device are directly connected by the video cable as described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram thereof.

The intraoral camera 10c of this example has the same configuration as that of the system shown in FIG. 7, except that the finder unit 13 is removed from the intraoral camera 10b, and the battery 19b is replaced with a secondary battery 19 and the charging terminal 12 is provided. The display device 30c is the same as the first display device 30 shown in FIG. 1 except for the receiver 33, and the camera 10c and the display device 30c are connected by a video cable 52. In the system of FIG. 7, the battery 19b of the intraoral camera 10b and the battery 47b of the display device 40b are primary batteries,
Although any of the secondary batteries may be used, in this modified example, the holding unit 32 having a charging function is provided in the display device 30c, so that each of the batteries uses a secondary battery.
The battery 19 of the camera 10 c is charged while being set in the holding unit 32, and the battery 36-1 of the display device 30 c is constantly charged by the power supply circuit 36.

This modification has the above-described configuration, and the optical image is converted into an electric image signal by the photoelectric conversion unit 16.
The data is sent directly to the display device 30 c via the cable 52 and displayed on the display unit 31. Display on the display device 30c, storage of images, printout, and the like are the same as those of the system shown in FIG.

The configuration of each of the above-described dental diagnosis systems is an example, and is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, the presence or absence of the finder unit 13 and the holding unit 32, the provision of a plurality of display devices 30 and 40, etc. The number of display devices may be increased / decreased or omitted, or the combination thereof may be changed or the operation means provided in the intraoral camera 10 may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to construct a dental diagnosis system having a desired configuration according to the actual situation of the place where the apparatus is used, the desire of the user, and the like.

The receiving device 20 may include a computer. Hereinafter, a case where the computer is a personal computer will be described. The intraoral camera 10d in FIG. 11 has a function of a pointing device for operating a personal computer, and has push-button type operation switches 15a and 15b and a ball-type pointer 15c on the outer surface of a central portion of the body 10A. It is. These operation switches 15a and 15b are provided for a click operation provided on the mouse.
The pointers 15c correspond to the pointing operation units for freely moving the mouse cursor displayed on the display unit.

That is, the intraoral camera 10d has a function of a normal mouse, and the control unit 18 has an image control function and a software control function. Here, the software means a basic operating system and application software that operates under the operating system. A camera sends an operation signal to a personal computer in addition to an image signal. By operating, all operations that can be performed by application software can be basically performed. In addition, the intraoral camera 10d having such a function is applicable to any of a method of transmitting a signal wirelessly as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, and a method of transmitting a signal by wire as shown in FIGS. .

In FIG. 11, switches 15a and 15b and a pointer 15 are provided for exerting the function of a mouse.
Only c is shown, and switches for other purposes such as operation of the camera itself are not shown in the same manner as in FIG. In addition, various operations can be performed by the switches for the mouse function as described above, but since it is troublesome to operate each time while looking at the screen of the display unit, the storage of the above-described still image and the printing of the image are performed. For a specific function that may be used relatively frequently, such as out, it is desirable to provide a dedicated operation unit according to the operation switches 14a and 14b. For example, in the above-described example, the operation switch 14a is for storing a displayed image as a still image. In addition, a freeze / through switch for switching between displaying a moving image and a still image is provided.

The receiving device 20 shown in FIG. 11 includes a display device 30 and a display device 40 similar to those shown in FIG.
In this example, the personal computer 60 includes a receiver 61,
Each of the printers 70 is provided with a receiver 71, and is configured to be controlled in accordance with the operation of various switches of the intraoral camera 10d as described above. Therefore, the printer 70 does not connect to the external device connection terminal 38 of the display device 30 as shown in FIG. 3, but operates by directly receiving a signal from the camera 10d. As described in the example of FIG. 1, for example, when a personal computer is incorporated in a medical chair, the personal computer and the display can be used as the personal computer 60 and the display device 30 in FIG. A completely different personal computer may be used as 60. When the display device 30 is a display of the personal computer 60, it is generally connected to the personal computer 60 by wire, so that the receiver 33
Is unnecessary.

As described above, when a personal computer is included in the receiving device 20, a computer system is configured in which the personal computer is used as a server and a plurality of clients are connected thereto, and the entire computer system is connected to the intraoral camera 10d. It is also possible to control with. Also,
By developing this, the dental diagnosis system of the present invention can be connected to a computer system of a medical institution to form a comprehensive management system for managing diagnosis information and the like.

[0051]

As is apparent from the above description, the dental diagnosis system according to the first invention is a cordless type in which an optical image of a photographed object is converted into an electric signal and transmitted from a built-in radio transmitter. An intraoral camera, a receiving device having at least a display unit that receives a transmission signal from the intraoral camera and displays the image on a display unit, and a storage unit that stores an image displayed on the display unit as a still image. The second invention provides an intraoral camera provided with operating means for operating a receiving device. The second invention is an intraoral camera which transmits an electric signal to a wireless transmitter connected through a cable and transmits the electric signal to the wireless transmitter. It uses a camera.

Therefore, during diagnosis or photographing using the intraoral camera, the receiving device can be operated from the intraoral camera side without directly operating the display means and the like. Therefore, a user-friendly dental diagnostic system can be obtained because the cable is not bothersome.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an intraoral camera for converting an optical image of a photographed object into an electric signal and transmitting the electric signal via a cable, and a display unit for receiving a transmission signal from the intraoral camera and receiving the signal. And a receiving device having at least a storage unit for storing an image displayed on the display unit as a still image, wherein the intraoral camera is provided with operating means for operating the receiving device. is there. Therefore, when using the intraoral camera, the receiving device can be operated from the intraoral camera side without directly operating the display means and the like, and since the intraoral camera and the display means are connected by a cable, noise is reduced. An easy-to-use dental diagnosis system can be obtained without being bothered by signals.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, if the intraoral camera is provided with an operating means having a function of issuing an instruction to store at least the image displayed on the display unit as a still image, the necessary image can be obtained at a desired timing. Can be captured and stored, and can be reproduced and displayed after photographing for examination and explanation, so that an easy-to-use dental diagnosis system can be obtained.

Further, in the case where an operation means having at least a function of issuing a command to print out an image displayed on the display unit is provided, a necessary image is printed at a desired timing, and examination and explanation after photographing are performed. This makes it possible to obtain an easy-to-use dental diagnosis system.

Further, by providing the operating means having at least a function of a pointing device,
A function equivalent to a mouse makes it possible not only to store a still image and print out an image, but also to make the receiving device perform various operations.

Further, in the case where the intraoral camera is provided with a finder unit for displaying an image of the object converted into an electric signal, the doctor can observe and photograph the affected part without moving his / her gaze from the photographed part greatly. This can be performed, or the patient can receive explanation and diagnosis while viewing the image of the finder unit, so that an easy-to-use dental diagnosis system can be obtained.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, when the receiving device is a computer, it can be used for treatment and diagnosis by utilizing various other functions of the computer in addition to storing and printing out images. Become.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, the intraoral camera is equipped with a secondary battery as an operating power source, and the receiving device is provided with:
In the case where the holding unit having the function of holding the intraoral camera and charging the secondary battery during the holding is provided, the secondary battery can be charged while the intraoral camera is not used. It is possible to eliminate the problem that the camera cannot be used because the camera has been consumed.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, when the display means of the receiving device is a portable display device, the display device is arranged at an optimum position for the dentist to perform imaging and diagnosis, or the display means is provided to the patient. Can be arranged at a position that is easy to see for diagnosis and explanation.

When the portable display device is of a cordless type having a battery as a power source for operation, or provided with a mirror as required, it is easy to arrange the display device at an optimum position. , And can be used as a hand mirror, so that a system that can be used in various ways can be obtained.

In the above configuration, if there are a plurality of receiving devices in the system, signals from the intraoral camera can be displayed on a plurality of display means, for example, a display unit for a doctor and a display unit for a patient. Display each image in the section,
This makes it possible to use the system so as to make a diagnosis while showing the photographed image to the patient for explanation.

In such a system having a plurality of receiving devices, at least one of the receiving devices is a computer, or one of the receiving devices is provided with a holding unit.
At least a part of the plurality of display means can be a portable display device having a leg portion which can be used as a hand-held handle, and each of the above-described usages is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an intra-oral camera of the system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a first display device of the system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a second display device of the system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of the second invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control device of the system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the system.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modification of the system of the third invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the system.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in a case where a personal computer is included in the receiving device in the system of the first invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Intraoral camera 10-1 Control device 13 Finder unit 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b Operation switch 15c Pointer 16 Photoelectric conversion unit 17, 17a Transmitter 18, 18a Control unit 19, 19b, 36 -1, 47, 47b Battery 20 Receiving device 30, 30a, 30c First display device 31, 41 Display unit 32 Holding unit 33, 44, 61, 71 Receiver 34, 45 Control unit 35, 46 Memory 37-1 Power supply Terminal 38, 48 External device connection terminal 38a External device 40, 40b Second display device (portable display device) 42 Leg 43 Mirror 51 Camera side cable 52 Video cable 60 Personal computer 70 Printer

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 4C052 AA06 EE08 FF07 LL02 4C061 AA08 BB04 BB10 CC06 DD01 FF02 JJ19 LL03 NN03 NN05 UU03 UU06 WW01 WW13 YY12 YY18 5C054 BA01 CC07 CD00 CD03 DA07 DA08 EA07 GA

Claims (18)

[Claims] An intraoral camera of a cordless type that converts an optical image of a photographed object into an electric signal and transmits the electric signal from a built-in wireless transmitter, and a display unit that receives a transmission signal from the intraoral camera and receives the signal. And a receiving device having at least a storage unit for storing an image displayed on the display unit as a still image, and an operation unit for operating the receiving device in the intraoral camera. A dental diagnostic system characterized by the following. 2. An intraoral camera for converting an optical image of a photographed object into an electric signal and transmitting the signal from a wireless transmitter connected via a cable, and receiving and displaying a transmission signal from the transmitter. And a receiving device having at least a storage unit for storing an image displayed on the display unit as a still image, and an operating unit for operating the receiving device with the intraoral camera. A dental diagnosis system, which is provided. 3. An intraoral camera for converting a captured optical image of an object into an electric signal and transmitting the converted signal via a cable, and a display means for receiving a transmission signal from the intraoral camera and displaying it on a display unit And a receiving device having at least a storage unit for storing an image displayed on the display unit as a still image, wherein an operation unit for operating the receiving device is provided in the intraoral camera. Dental diagnostic system. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation means provided in the intraoral camera has a function of issuing an instruction to store at least an image displayed on the display unit as a still image. The dental diagnostic system according to 1. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation means provided on the intraoral camera has a function of issuing at least a command to print out an image displayed on the display unit. Dental diagnostic system. 6. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein the operation means provided in the intraoral camera has at least a function of a pointing device. 7. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein the intraoral camera is provided with a finder unit for displaying an image of the object converted into an electric signal. 8. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device is a computer. 9. A holding unit in which a secondary battery is mounted as an operation power source in the intraoral camera, and the receiving unit has a function of holding the intraoral camera and charging the secondary battery during the holding. The dental diagnosis system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: 10. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein the display means of the receiving device is a portable display device. 11. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 10, wherein the portable display device is a cordless type having a battery as a power source for operation. 12. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 10, wherein the portable display device has a mirror. 13. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of receiving devices are included in the system. 14. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of receiving devices is a computer. 15. An intraoral camera is equipped with a secondary battery as a power supply for operation, and at least one of the plurality of receiving devices holds the intraoral camera and charges the secondary battery while holding the intraoral camera. The dental diagnostic system according to claim 13, further comprising a holding unit having a function. 16. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 13, wherein at least a part of the display means of the plurality of receiving devices is a portable display device. 17. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 16, wherein the portable display device is a cordless type having a battery as a power source for operation. 18. The dental diagnosis system according to claim 16, wherein the portable display device has a mirror.