JP2007296249A - Odontopathy defining apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus which defines the position, the invasion depth and the extent of dental caries. <P>SOLUTION: The teeth are irradiated with light to image the teeth. The dental caries and dentine deficits are decided by performing extraction of the range of the dental caries, definition of enamel dental caries, definition of dentine dental caries, and definition of dental pulp dental caries from the image of the teeth. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention provides measurement, observation, diagnosis, etc. in dental caries, which is one of the two major diseases of dentistry.

In particular, it is a technology related to the determination of caries.

Conventional caries diagnosis includes visual inspection, palpation, X-ray diagnosis, electrical diagnosis, conventional optical diagnosis, and the like, but none of the present invention covers the present invention.

In particular, there are the following two documents as inspection, measurement, and observation devices using light similar to the present invention.

Japanese Patent No. 3117178 Japanese Patent Application No. 20005-305406 Reference 1 is a patent of the basic technology of Reference 2, and Reference 2 has an improved patent position of Reference 1. At the stage of Document 2, it became possible for the first time in the world to observe the initial dentin caries on the adjacent surface of the molar part. In addition, it has accuracy at a stage where practicality has been confirmed in clinical practice. At the stage of the present invention, the observation, measurement, and detection of initial dentin caries at a higher level, and further three-dimensional position determination, tomography, including vertical position, spread, horizontal position, spread, etc. Capable of measuring, observing, and detecting three states and two forms of caries using radiographing and image recognition means, as well as functional diagnosis such as the degree of caries progress and future risk (caries risk) It was also possible. And the blue wavelength fluorescence (corresponding to enamel caries), red wavelength fluorescence (corresponding to dentine caries, but interfering substances have been discovered in foods), near-infrared transmission, which have been discovered in the past. Wavelengths characteristic of caries such as observation have been found, but it has been difficult for clinical application, has not been image information, and has poor reproducibility. With the present invention, practical level information can be obtained, and it can be inserted and worn in the oral cavity, and a practical level S / N ratio can be obtained, so that high accuracy, downsizing, and high reproducibility can be obtained. The clinical application became possible. Specifically, optimization of light injection into the teeth of both R and G type tooth fixation probes, optimization of light injection by optimization of the tooth fixation position, and either or both of the optical probe and the tooth fixation camera, and the tooth Coordinate matching in all combinations enables reproducibility and high-accuracy measurement. Furthermore, the detection of the vertical position by multi light injection by the multi optical probe, the detection of the caries position, and the coordinates in the multi optical probe and the tooth fixing camera and / or any combination of the teeth. Matching has made reproducibility and high-precision measurement possible. (Multi optical probe is a probe that has three or more light injection means vertically and is particularly suitable for R type probe and G type probe, and can be optimized for both probes. (It is the light injection unique to the R type probe and G type probe.) Furthermore, the horizontal position can be measured with high accuracy by the horizontal position detection means, and it is a three-dimensional combination of any combination of tooth, optical probe and caries. The position and shape can be observed, measured and detected. Furthermore, for caries that require treatment, the minimum required formation (MI) is possible, and three-dimensional shape measurement for creating highly accurate restorations using CAD / CAM is also possible. , Root canal treatment, periodontal treatment, implant drilling, etc., high accuracy, remote diagnosis, remote treatment, etc. are also possible.

The conventional dental caries definitive diagnosis, which is one of the two major diseases in dentistry, can be said to be all by visual inspection or X-ray examination, but there are caries that cannot be recognized by visual inspection. In addition, the degree of progression, determination of whether or not the caries was dentin, and the true spread of the carious dentin could not be observed, measured or inspected at all. Also, it was not possible to observe or measure caries from the occlusal surface (buccal tongue position, spread). In other words, it was a two-dimensional observation and the spread was vague.

1 [Means of Claim 1]

The dental disease determination device according to claim 1 is provided with a caries determination means.



2 [Means of claim 2]

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 2 is provided with a predetermined optical probe means.



3 (Means of claim 3)

The dental disease determination apparatus according to claim 3 detects a vertical position of a caries or a dental defect. It is characterized by having a vertical position detecting means.



4 (Means of claim 4)

The dental disease determination apparatus according to claim 4 detects a horizontal position of a caries or a dental defect. It is characterized by having a horizontal position detecting means.



5 (Means of Claim 5)

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized by comprising a three-dimensional shape measuring means and a predetermined optical probe (means).



6 (Means of claim 6)

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized by comprising a cavity forming means and a predetermined optical probe (means).



7 (Means of Claim 7)

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 7 is characterized by comprising a tomographic means.



8 (Means of Claim 8)

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 8 is a cutting device 3 in any one or a combination thereof in a device for creating an interdental restoration preparation device in Japanese Patent Application No. 3-74033 or an operation display device in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-273760. Dimensional position shape detecting means and a predetermined optical probe (means) are provided.



9 (Means of claim 9)

The dental disease determination apparatus according to claim 9 is characterized by comprising CAD / CAM means and a predetermined optical probe (means).



10 (Means of Claim 10)

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 10 comprises:

An enamel caries determination means is provided as a caries determination means.



11 (Means of Claim 11)

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 11

An enamel caries spread determining means is provided as a caries determining means.



12 (Means of Claim 12)

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 12 comprises:

A dentin caries determination means is provided as a caries determination means.



13 (Means of Claim 13)

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 13 comprises:

A dentin caries spread determining means is provided as a caries determining means.



14 (Means of Claim 14)

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 14,

A dental caries determination means is provided as a caries determination means.



15 (Means of Claim 14)

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 15 is:

Japanese Patent Application No. 11-136132 It is provided with any of the means of the explorer or a combination thereof.

1 [Operation and effect of claim 1]

Since the dental disease confirmation device according to claim 1 is provided with a caries confirmation means, it can confirm caries.



Furthermore, the position of the cheek tongue caries is known. This is clearly observed by further optimization of the light injection position by the tooth diagnostic inspection apparatus of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-305406 (the caries determination means can further optimize the light injection), and further caries. The determination means clearly observes, detects and measures the caries. That is, it becomes clearer and more accurate by this determination means. (It is not possible to reach with just buccal light irradiation.)

Furthermore, since the vertical position detection means detects the vertical position and spread, and the horizontal position detection means detects the horizontal position and spread, it is possible to detect the three-dimensional position and spread in the caries determined together with it. .



2 [Operation and effect of claim 2]

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 2 is provided with a predetermined optical probe means, and therefore has effects such as not obstructing the visual field and not obstructing the movement of tools such as examination and cavity formation. Furthermore, the R typ G type optical probe is particularly excellent in light injection (means), light injection position setting (means), tooth fixation (means), visual field performance (means), and motion path securing performance (means). Further, the multi type (means) of multiple injections at three or more locations can secure a further optimal injection position, and can also reproduce and optimize the positions of the teeth and the probe. It can also be used for vertical position, spread detection, and tomography. Furthermore, coordinate alignment (means) to the tooth itself, a tooth fixing camera, a handpiece, etc. is also possible. It is a very good probe.



3 [Operation and effect of claim 3]

The dental disease determination apparatus according to claim 3 detects a vertical position of a caries or a dental defect. Since it is equipped with a vertical position detection means, it is possible to detect the vertical position and spread of caries and dental defects, so qualitative, quantitative, progress, prevention success, and depth of formation It becomes clear. This allows a high degree of minimal tooth removal (MI) in treatment.



4 [Operation and effect of claim 4]

The dental disease determination apparatus according to claim 4 detects a horizontal position of a caries or a dental defect. It is characterized by having a horizontal position detection means, so it can detect the horizontal position and spread of caries and dental defects, so qualitative, quantitative, progress, prevention success, and depth of formation It becomes clear. This allows a high degree of minimal tooth removal (MI) in treatment.



5 [Operation and effect of claim 5]

The dental disease determination apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized by comprising a three-dimensional shape measuring means and a predetermined optical probe (means), so that coordinate matching is performed with respect to a tooth, a tooth fixing camera, a handpiece, various instruments, and the like. it can. Thereby, measurement, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of reproducible tooth shape, tooth properties and caries can be performed. In particular, the contact type three-dimensional shape measuring means can be used in the oral cavity. In addition, the accuracy of the multi-photographing of the three-dimensional shape measuring means applied to the camera can be improved. If a vertical position detection means, a horizontal position detection means, etc. are used together, a tooth shape, a caries position, and a shape can be observed clearly.



6 [Operation and effect of claim 6]

The dental disease determination apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized by comprising a cavity forming means and a predetermined optical probe (means), and therefore minimal tooth removal (MI) is highly possible. If a vertical position detecting means, a horizontal position detecting means, etc. are used in combination, the MI can be formed with higher accuracy.



7 [Operation and effect of claim 7]

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 7 is characterized by including tomographic means, so that tomography can be performed.



8 [Operation and effect of claim 8]

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 8 is a cutting device 3 in any one or a combination thereof in a device for creating an interdental restoration preparation device in Japanese Patent Application No. 3-74033 or an operation display device in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-273760. Since it is characterized by comprising a three-dimensional position shape detection means and a predetermined optical probe (means), it is possible to create a restoration, advanced MI formation, training guidance, and the like.



9 [Operation and effect of claim 9]

Since the dental disease confirmation apparatus according to the ninth aspect is provided with a predetermined camera integrated optical probe (means), high-accuracy imaging can be performed with good reproducibility. As an example, if the camera of the camera-equipped probe (FIGS. 24 and 25) is provided with either a beam projection unit or a fringe projection unit or a combination thereof, three-dimensional shape measurement can be performed with high accuracy and good reproducibility. Thereby, the position of the caries and the position of the tooth can be detected three-dimensionally. As a result, diagnosis, treatment such as (MI) formation, and prevention can be performed with high precision, high reliability, and high reproducibility.

Other examples include root canal imaging, root canal visualization, caries tooth removal imaging, wisdom tooth extraction, tartar removal imaging, periodontal surgery imaging, and so on. Get nervous.

Remote treatment and diagnosis are also possible.

Furthermore, if a manipulator is attached to this probe, treatment can be performed without inserting a finger into the oral cavity.



10 [Operation and effect of claim 10]

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 10 comprises:

Since enamel caries determination means is provided as a caries determination means, enamel caries can be understood.



11 [Operation and effect of claim 11]

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 11

Since the enamel caries spread determining means is provided as the caries determining means, the spread of the enamel caries can be understood.



12 [Operation and effect of claim 12]

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 12 comprises:

Since it is characterized by having a dentine caries determination means as a caries determination means, dentin caries can be understood.

In particular, the initial dentin caries cannot be detected even by the biting wing method having the highest resolution among X-rays (FIG. 14). However, in the present invention, the initial dentin caries can be seen even with the optical probe alone, and the caries determination means is used. And, early dentin caries can be recognized dramatically.



13 [Operation and effect of claim 13]

The dental disease confirmation apparatus according to claim 13 comprises:

Since the dentin caries spread determining means is provided as the caries determining means, the spread of the dentin caries can be understood.



14 [Operation and effect of claim 14]

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 14,

Since the dental caries determination means is provided as the caries determination means, it can be seen whether caries has spread to the pulp.



15 [Operation and effect of claim 15]

The dental disease confirmation device according to claim 15 is:

Japanese Patent Application No. 11-136132 Since each of the means of the explorer or a combination thereof is provided, the distribution of elements such as pH, C, P, F, etc. can be known, and functional diagnosis such as caries risk, progression, etc. It can be detected along with the shape.

The dental disease determination device of the present invention will be described based on the embodiment or the modification shown in FIGS.

Here, the purpose is set and presented for dental caries determination by the dental disease determination device.

The dental disease determination device adopts at least caries determination means as an embodiment here.

Determination of 3 states and 2 shapes

For the determination of caries, first, “three states of caries” in hard tissues such as enamel and dentin, and the “size (shape or spread) of two types of caries” are determined. Specifically, 1. whether enamel caries have occurred (determining C0, C1); 2. whether the caries has reached the dentin (C2 determined); 1. Confirmation and size of three states in the presence or absence of dental caries (determination of C3). 1. Size of enamel caries (shape or spread); Observation, measurement, and confirmation of the size (shape or spread) of dentin caries. The five elements of this three-state two-shape (size or spread) are caries confirmation.



A particularly important condition for prevention and treatment is whether or not caries has reached the dentin. The caries that are most difficult to judge are caries adjacent to the molar portion. This is difficult or impossible even with X-rays. In particular, early dentin caries cannot be photographed by X-rays. (See Figure 14)

[Configuration of Example]

In FIG.

The caries confirmation means is

With optical probe (means)

Image recognition means

At least.

Here, the optical probe (means) indicates all means capable of light injection such as Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-305406 and Japanese Patent No. 3117178. The optical probe (FIG. 27) in the fourth embodiment in Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-305406 is also recommended, but the R type and G type optical probes of the present invention are particularly preferable.

Here, the predetermined optical probe (means) refers to an optical probe capable of injecting light into a tooth having at least a tooth fixing means.

The particularly recommended predetermined optical probe (means) refers to an R type, G type, or GR type optical probe in the present invention.

3, 4, and 5

With optical probe body (frame)

Gripping means for opening and closing the probe to grip the tooth;

Elastic means (springs etc.) to obtain tension for gripping;

Rotating shaft (rotating means) necessary for gripping

With light injection means

Light injection position setting means

It consists of. (Furthermore, stray light adjusting means may be accompanied.)

Here, the main body (frame) is classified into R type (FIG. 5), G type (FIGS. 3 and 4), etc. according to its bent shape (means). This bent shape (means) serves as a basis for multifunctionalization as will be described later, and acts as a means.

For example, it is a visual field securing means for securing a visual field, a support means for a light injection means of a multi-optical probe, a means that operates as a coordinate matching means, or a means that also functions as an optical probe external means position setting means.

FIG. 3 shows a G type (light) probe, and the bending means positioned first from the rotation axis mainly passes near the gingival gingiva.

FIG. 5 is an R type (light) probe, and the bending means positioned first from the rotation axis mainly passes near the upper part of the occlusal surface.

For both probes, the type that immediately spreads from the vicinity of the rotating part to the side surface (buccal tongue direction) was defined as the wide type means. FIG. 4 shows the wide type of the G type (optical) probe, and the lower diagram of FIG. 5 shows the wide type of the R type (optical) probe. The upper diagram of FIG. 5 is a normal type of R type (light) probe. -Yeung-kun 4



Here, the GR type can be equipped with various means in the space surrounded by the bending means.

The optical probe performs light injection mainly from the portion shown in FIG. (Mainly shows the place (map) where light is injected.)

Here, the light injection is performed by injecting light from at least two parts, a right-upward oblique line and a left-upward oblique line.

A caries image does not emerge when light is injected only in one of the upward-sloping diagonal line and the upward-sloping diagonal line.

Furthermore, from the horizontal line, it is not impossible to inject light at one point, but it is difficult or impossible to fix a tooth, and it is often difficult or impossible to insert anatomically.

Image recognition means

At least imaging means such as a CCD camera and known general-purpose image processing means (acquiring an image mainly showing teeth (and background) as shown in FIG. 8).

In addition to the general-purpose image processing means, at least

00-1 Tooth (range) image extracting means Extracts a tooth (range) image from the captured image.

(If there is no background image and the tooth is a single tooth, no processing may be instructed.)

(When the tooth range is multiple teeth, it is separated and held or stored separately.)

00-2 Background image extraction means

May be used if only the background is used.

In some cases, it is not always necessary to extract a background image like fluorescence.

00-3 Probe image (extraction) means

Means for extracting a probe image.

Information such as a probe equipped with a probe reflecting means or a probe transmitting means may be obtained.

01 Caries (range) extraction means Caries (range) extraction from tooth range

1 Enamel caries determination means a Fluorescence measurement observation means by ultraviolet to blue excitation

b Contrast observation means by transmitted light (low contrast)

2 Dentin caries determination means a Contrast observation means by transmitted light (high contrast)

b Caries contour observation means

c Fluorescence observation means by red light excitation

3 Enamel caries spread determination means Image outline extraction means by 1-a and 1-b above

4 Dentin caries spread determining means Image outer shape extracting means by 2-a, 2-b, 2-c above

5 Dental pulp caries determination means

6 Histogram to means are means for extracting a histogram of an image and extracting specific RGB values therein.

Here, RGB values specific to the tooth, RGB values specific to the background image, RGB values specific to the probe, RGB values specific to the background light, and the like can be extracted and registered. (The RGB values in this case may have a range.)

Histogram white extraction means

Histogram black extraction means

Histogram arbitrary color extraction means

Histogram shadow extraction means

Histogram probe color extraction means

Histogram tooth extraction means

and so on.

7 Image color extraction means Performed by known image processing. As an example, the Paint Soft eye dropper is used.

It is characterized by adding any one or a combination thereof.

Here, the 00 tooth extraction means is an essential basic process in most cases, but the tooth extraction means is not required for cases where the tooth is a single substance, the tooth is a single substance with no background, or only background light is extracted. There are cases.

The 01 caries range extracting means may or may not be used as a basic process of the means 1, 2, 3, and 4. It may also be used alone.

When each of the means 01, 1, 2, 3, 4 determines based on the image information, a dedicated image processing means is accompanied with each determination means. Here, each determination unit may be realized based on information that is not image information. In this case, each determination unit does not involve an image processing unit.

The general-purpose image processing means processes an image obtained by photographing a tooth injected with an optical probe from an occlusal surface with an imaging means such as a CCD camera. Here, the image data may be stored using a storage unit and may be subjected to timely image processing, or may be displayed by performing processing in real time.

Then, primary image processing is performed on the image held in the general-purpose image processing means. That is, an image in which the occlusal view of the tooth is photographed around a portion where the tooth is in contact with the tooth (including the background image when the background image is reflected) is acquired as shown in FIG. (Primary processing) FIG.

The image processing means includes at least known general-purpose image processing means (primary processing) and

Tooth range extraction means which is basic image processing of secondary processing;

Dedicated to the present invention

01 Caries range extraction means

1 Enamel caries determination means

2 Dentin caries determination means

3 Enamel caries spread determination means

4 Dentine caries spread confirmation means

5 Dental pulp caries determination means

In most cases, it is composed of dedicated image processing means (secondary processing) for each confirmation means by any one or a combination thereof.

00-1 Example of tooth (range) image extraction means : FIG. 1 General-purpose image processing means

The tooth range extracting means may extract the tooth range. (Basic processing of secondary processing)

1 Tooth (range) image extraction means for extracting a tooth (range) image by enclosing the tooth image in the image displayed on the screen with a known PaintSoft range determination means, and cutting and pasting the image May be used.

(FIGS. 10 and 11)

2 If the probe color tone is not white, a specific value such as RGB = (less than 200, less than 200, less than 200) may be adopted and extracted by the RGB threshold filter means. Specifically, the RGB threshold filter means scans all pixels of the image (memory) information and leaves pixels that are equal to or higher than the threshold (for example, RGB = (200 or higher, 200 or higher, 200 or higher)). Filter means to replace with black of R: 0, G: 0, B: 0. In this case, if the probe color is particularly black, the background and the probe image can be easily removed. (Fig. 9)

In other words, image processing (RGB threshold filter means) that scans the image (memory) information and extracts only the image portion of RGB = (200 or more, 200 or more, 200 or more), and holds or stores the image information of only that portion To do.

This image storage indicates tooth information (or range). Here, the RGB values may be manually extracted from the tooth image, or may be automatically extracted by the histogram tooth extracting means. Here, an editing means, a spatial frequency filter, or a correlation means may be used to eliminate the noise portion.

At this time, if the carious portion appears to be painted black, the RGB threshold value may be changed, or only the background may be erased using a spatial frequency filter or a correlation filter. Alternatively, the tooth may be extracted by using a known filter that extracts only the closed range. Here, the correlation filter and the spatial frequency filter may be made from a tooth image.

Then, the tooth image is separated from the background image and the probe image, and only the tooth image (with caries) is held or stored. Here, whether the tooth (one or more) or the background (one or more ranges) is held and stored may depend on the operator's request or on the content of the subsequent image processing.

Here, the light of the background image (light reflected when light is injected or transmitted from the tooth) may also enter the tooth range. Also in this regard, it may be removed by the means 1 or 2 described above.

00-2 Background image extraction means

It is also possible to use background image extraction means for extracting a background image by enclosing a background image in an image displayed on one screen with known PaintSoft range determination means and performing Cut & Paste on the image. That is, the known difference means of FIGS. 9 to 10 and FIG. 11 may calculate and output a difference image, that is, a background image.

2 You may extract by RGB threshold filter means. In this case, RGB = (less than 200, less than 200, less than 200) may be used, a threshold value may be set by PatinSoft's RGB value extracting means, or extracted by a histogram black extracting means. Good. In this case, since the light of the background image (the light reflected when light is injected or transmitted from the teeth) may be removed, it may be extracted by means 1 or 2 above.

Here, analysis of light of the background image is important information. This is

1 Enamel caries determination means

2 Dentin caries determination means

3 Enamel caries spread determination means

4 Dentine caries spread confirmation means

5 Dental pulp caries determination means



It may be an important image particularly in fluorescence measurement.

00-3 Probe image (extraction) means FIG.

Probe image extraction means for extracting a probe image by enclosing a probe image in an image displayed on one screen with a known PaintSoft range determination means, and cutting and pasting the image may be used.

2 You may extract by RGB threshold filter means. In this case, the RGB value may be a probe color (which may be a photographing value or a design value, or white balance correction or photographing error correction may be performed), or a threshold value may be set by PatinSoft's RGB value extraction means. Alternatively, it may be extracted by a histogram probe color extracting means.

An example of 01 caries range extracting means is an example of dedicated image processing means (secondary processing).

1 Use a carious range extraction means that encloses the carious image in the tooth image displayed on the screen with the known PaintSoft range determining means, and extracts the carious range by cutting and pasting the image. May be.

2 For the tooth image extracted by the 00-1 tooth (range) image extracting means, as an example, the range is a black region such as RGB value = (R: 100 or less, G: 100 or less, B: 100 or less) Are searched by the RGB value search means, and the image is extracted as a result. Here, the RGB values may be extracted by a known PaintSoft dropper means using a known SoftSoft dropper means, or may be a histogram shadow extracting means for extracting from a histogram of all images.

3. The white region may be extracted by the histogram white extraction means, and the carious site may be extracted by applying a manual or automatic filter to the remaining image. In the case of automatic, a spatial filter may be used, a correlation filter may be used, or an image of a part where pixels are gathered may be extracted by the lump recognition means. The correlation filter, the spatial filter, or the mass recognition means may be made in advance according to FIGS. This is because the shape of the caries is formed in accordance with an anatomical form such as enamel trabeculae, dentinal tubules or collagen running.

4. As other caries image extraction means, any one or a combination of each means of the color identification device, color storage device, color tracking device, and color code identification device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-58663 may be used. That is, since the difference between the color of the carious image and the color of the healthy tooth can be extracted, only the carious image can be separated.

Caries versus tooth contrast means may be used. At this time, the contrast ratio calculating means calculates the ratio of the black area value (average value, representative value, etc.) of the carious area to the white area value (average value, representative value, etc.) which is a non-cariogenic area. This value may be used as the caries-to-tooth contrast ratio.

Then, the near-centrifugation image separating means separates the mesial image and the centrifuge image, and each image is held or stored.

1 It may be separated by a known Patin software range determination means,

2. If the imaging means is set and photographed so that the back is mesial and the front is centrifugal, separation can be performed automatically by known image processing.

01 Other examples of caries range extraction means: An example of dedicated image processing means (secondary processing)

Pattern matching means for extracting the interdental space and performing pattern matching of a triangular pyramid around the contact point may be employed. This sets the imaging means so that the direction vector of the interdental space image is always taken as the same vector. (The position may be shifted.) Then, the triangular pyramid is correlated and the RGB value search means or the carious cone correlation search means operates around the vertex to extract caries.

Then, the caries range is extracted.

1 Example of enamel caries determination means : Example of dedicated image processing means (secondary processing)

Minimum configuration

A Properties of light injected from the optical probe means:

1 Visible light

The caries image is mainly obtained by using the 01 caries (range) extracting means and displayed.

Then, the contrast ratio value is displayed by the caries-to-tooth contrast means.

If this value is 0 or less than the threshold set by the surgeon, it is displayed that there is no enamel caries.



As another example, an image having a conical shape (when the tip of the enamel carious image in FIG. 7 has no dentin caries and the tip is tapered).

2 In the case of infrared light

Irradiate an absorption wavelength such as H ₂ 0, PO ₄ .

The caries image is mainly obtained by using the 01 caries (range) extracting means and displayed.

Then, the contrast ratio value is displayed by the caries-to-tooth contrast means.

If this value is 0 or less than the threshold set by the surgeon, it is displayed that there is no enamel caries.

3 For light from ultraviolet to blue wavelengths

At least light having a wavelength including ultraviolet to blue wavelength light is injected as excitation light.

In this case, both of the caries and the teeth may be clearly observed by using fluorescence and excitation light together with other light than excitation light.

The caries image is mainly obtained by using the 01 caries (range) extracting means and displayed.

The fluorescent light measuring means measures and displays the output of light having a wavelength other than the excitation wavelength in this range.

The larger, the greater the caries and the more severe.

BCharacteristics of imaging means

For example, fluorescence observation means such as a filter for observing a slightly longer wavelength side than the excitation light is used. Of course, the ratio of fluorescence and excitation light may be determined to observe both.

C image processing means

The example which uses the 1-a observation means which observes the range of 1-a in FIG.

The 01 caries (range) extracting means and the 00-2 background image extracting means are used.

The example using the 1-b observation means which observes the range of 1-b in FIG.

The 01 caries (range) extracting means is used.

2 An example of dentin caries determination means : an example of dedicated image processing means (secondary processing)

Minimum configuration

It has at least image input means such as optical probe means, imaging means, general-purpose image processing means (primary processing), and dentine caries determination means (any one or a combination of a, b, c).

A Properties of light injected from the optical probe means:

1 Visible light

The caries image is mainly obtained by using the 01 caries (range) extracting means and displayed.

And

1 When using the contrast ratio as an index,

Then, the contrast ratio value is displayed by the caries-to-tooth contrast means.

If this value is 0 or less than the threshold set by the surgeon, it is displayed that there is no dentine caries.

In other words, if the contrast ratio is greater than a certain value, it is considered a dentin caries.

2 When using the external shape as an index,

Also, the vertex from the inside of the conical range is

Unclear (irregular): (Unclear (irregular) detection means)

Hypertrophy: (Expansion detection means)

Circle: (circle detection means)

In such cases, dentin caries. (FIG. 7 shows an example of dentin caries.)

Here, the unclear (anomalous) detection means employs an image processing means for detecting any one or a combination of a differential value, a change rate, a spatial frequency, etc. of the caries image boundary portion.

As the enlargement detecting means, an image processing means for detecting either the width of the caries image, the angle with respect to the EJJ, or a combination thereof is adopted.

The circular detection means employs an image processing means for detecting by any one or a combination of a spatial filter, a correlation filter and a spatial frequency filter.

3 When using the intensity of a specific wavelength as an index,

If the intensity in the wavelength range of about 600 nm is high, dentine caries is considered.

2 In the case of infrared light

Irradiate an absorption wavelength such as H ₂ 0, PO ₄ .

The caries image is mainly obtained by using the 01 caries (range) extracting means and displayed.

Then, the contrast ratio value is displayed by the caries-to-tooth contrast means.

If this value is about 0 or less than the threshold set by the surgeon, it is displayed that there is no ivory caries.

3 For light of red wavelength

At least light having a wavelength including ultraviolet to blue wavelength light is injected as excitation light.

In this case, both of the caries and the teeth may be clearly observed by using fluorescence and excitation light together with other light than excitation light.

The caries image is mainly obtained by using the 01 caries (range) extracting means and displayed.

The fluorescent light measuring means measures and displays the output of light having a wavelength other than the excitation wavelength in this range.

The larger, the greater the caries and the more severe.

BCharacteristics of imaging means

For example, fluorescence observation means such as a filter for observing a slightly longer wavelength side than the excitation light is used. Of course, the ratio of fluorescence and excitation light may be determined to observe both.

C image processing means

14 shows an example in which a 2-a observation means for observing the range of 2-a in FIG. 13 is used.

Optical probe means, general purpose



14 shows an example in which a 2-b observation means for observing the range of 2-b in FIG. 13 is used.



14 shows an example in which a 2-c observation means for observing the range of 2-c in FIG. 13 is used.

1 enamel caries determination means and 2 dentine caries determination means may be used in cooperation with each other. In this case, diagnosis accuracy often increases.

3 An example of enamel caries spread determining means : an example of dedicated image processing means (secondary processing)

The light injected from the optical probe means is

At least light having a wavelength including ultraviolet to blue wavelength light is injected as excitation light.

In this case, both of the caries and the teeth may be clearly observed by using fluorescence and excitation light together with other light than excitation light.

Imaging means

For example, fluorescence observation means such as a filter for observing a slightly longer wavelength side than the excitation light is used. Of course, the ratio of fluorescence and excitation light may be determined to observe both.

Image processing means

If the fluorescence brightness is large, the spread is large.

Moreover, if the value of the caries range extracting means is large, the spread is large.

4 An example of dentin caries spread determining means : an example of dedicated image processing means (secondary processing)



In the caries image extracted in the dentine caries determined by the dentin caries determination means in 2 above,

The apex from the inside of the conical range is

Unclear (variant) recognition means Differential operator means to capture the magnitude of the change in the boundary of the caries range

The smaller the caries, the greater the caries spread or the greater the caries risk.



Hypertrophy recognition means Means to calculate the value of maximum width of cone tip / average width of cone

The larger the caries, the larger the caries spread.



Circle-like recognition means Circle or ellipse correlation coefficient calculation means

The larger the caries, the larger the caries spread (the larger the dentin carious portion in FIG.



To display the size of each area. This area shows the extent (size, shape) of dentin caries.

5 Example of dental pulp caries determination means : an example of dedicated image processing means (secondary processing)

1 color change

When caries reaches the dental pulp, the color of the caries changes.

The color change is extracted using any one or a combination of the color identification device, the color storage device, the color tracking device, and the color code identification device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-58663. Specifically, the color of dentin caries (statistical, database, storage of color information of the same part in time series, etc.) is stored. Also, the color of dental caries may be stored. In this case, any one of statistical colors, colors as a database, time-series color information, or a combination thereof may be used and stored. These colors may also be applied to enamel caries and dentin caries. For this means, the same means and methods as those for dental pulp caries may be applied.

Diagnosis of color (absorption or transmission wavelength or color development) appears useful in the order of dental pulp caries, dentin caries, and enamel caries. It is suitable for measuring whether or not a combination of Tsubaru,

2 Changes in fluorescence

When caries reaches the dental pulp, the fluorescence of the caries changes.

The fluorescence change is captured by setting the light injection of the probe to the excitation wavelength. Thereby, dental caries can be confirmed.

3 Proton spin changes (including changes in high-frequency absorption)

1. Observe, detect, measure, and diagnose dental pulp caries based on differences in the amplitude and relaxation of the proton spin at the carious site and the proton spin at the dental pulp site. Specifically, any one or combination means of Japanese Patent Application No. 11-136132 Explorer is used. Japanese Patent Application No. 11-136132 (Japanese Patent Application No. 11-136132) is incorporated into this probe, for example, by applying this explorer to any one of the light injections of the Multi optical probe shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 17, and 18. The optical diagnosis of the probe and the electrodiagnosis stage of the explorer are fixed to the tooth in the same coordinate system. Thereby, dental caries can be confirmed. In this case, functional image information specifying a three-dimensional position can also be obtained.

Furthermore, addition to carious sites such as sucrose causes a change in pH, a change in proton spin due to an increase in H +, and an electrical change, and this change may be captured by the above means.

6 Histogram to means are means for extracting a histogram of an image and extracting specific RGB values therein.

Here, RGB values specific to the tooth, RGB values specific to the background image, RGB values specific to the probe, RGB values specific to the background light, and the like can be extracted and registered. (The RGB values in this case may have a range.)

A Histogram white extraction means Extracts pixels whose RGB value is white.

B Histogram black extraction means Extracts pixels whose RGB value is black.

C Histogram Arbitrary Color Extraction Unit Extracts pixels with arbitrary color RGB values.

D Histogram shadow extraction means Compare pixels with high and low RGB values (contrast)

The lowest pixel among them is extracted.

E Histogram probe color extraction means Extracts pixels whose probe color is RGB.

F Histogram tooth extraction means Extracts pixels whose tooth value is RGB.

[effect]

The range or risk of caries can be determined.

That is, it is possible to confirm and confirm the three-state two-shape of caries.

[Modification]

Each of the above means is selected, used and manufactured by an operator or manufacturer.

Further, cooperation may be performed by the cooperation unit, or individual images may be combined and displayed by the image combining unit.

Example of linkage means FIG.

As an example, the result of 2-a and 2-c is logically or logically ANDed by the cooperation means.

As an example of the effect of the cooperation means, since the result is output to the more severe one of the two images of fluorescence and caries, oversight of caries is reduced. In addition, a synergistic effect that enables diagnosis of caries details is obtained.

An example of image composition means

As an example, all the images 1-a, 1-b, 2-a, 2-b, and 2-c are combined and displayed by the image combining means. In this case, the diagnostic accuracy is high because the external diagnostic information such as dentin caries and enamel caries and the function diagnosis information are combined to form an image.

The dental disease determination device of the first embodiment is an example in which at least a dentine caries determination stage is used in the caries determination means . It is also an example of determining the three-dimensional position of dentin caries.



To confirm dentin caries, caries determination means are necessary,

The caries confirmation means is

With optical probe (means)

Image recognition means

At least.

Here, this is an example in which at least a dentine caries determination stage is used in the caries determination means.

And to know the 3D position of the detected dentine caries,

The three-dimensional means in FIG. 28 is provided. Here, the five means of the three-dimensional means, that is, the three-dimensional shape measuring means, the reference position detecting means, the horizontal position detecting means, and the vertical position detecting means select one or a combination thereof.

[Constitution]

The dental disease confirmation apparatus of the first embodiment is

At least an optical probe, a tooth fixing camera, and 2 dentin caries determination means as the image recognition means are provided.

Further, when detecting the horizontal position, at least a horizontal position detection means,

When detecting the vertical position, at least a vertical position detecting means is provided.

Furthermore, in the case where the horizontal and vertical positions are detected simultaneously, at least coordinate matching means is provided.

As the optical probe, any one of FIG. 27, the R type optical probe of FIG. 27 and the G type optical probe of FIG. 3 or FIG. Here, each of the optical probes shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 injects light by inserting a light injection means between teeth (a tooth fixing means is used). (Refer to Fig. 2 for the injection site)

In order to measure the horizontal position of the caries, an optical probe equipped with a horizontal position detection reference means such as a gauge as shown in FIG. 19 is used. That is, when detecting the horizontal position, a gauge (FIG. 19) for detecting the horizontal position is used.

A Black and white gauge

Extraction is performed by a known pattern recognition means and the position is calculated.

B Color gauge

Color extraction means (using any one or a combination of each of the color identification device, color storage device, color tracking device, color code identification device of Japanese Patent Application No. 10-58663) and the position is calculated. .

C Self-luminous gauge (including light spot)

Extraction by brightness, light spot tracking, etc., and position calculation.

For the self-luminous gauge and the light spot, the light injection port of the light injection means may be used. In this case, there is no need to newly provide a light spot, which is efficient.

Further, the probe may be a simple horizontal gauge, or may be a gauge similar to the probe shown in the right part of FIG. 19, and any gauge according to the gist of the present invention. But it ’s okay. As an example, the vertical line can calculate the rotation angle of the probe near the light injection means. Further, the left and right tooth regions may be divided based on this line.

The arrow-like gauge can calculate the rotation angle of the probe near the light injection means. It is also easy to specify the position of the gauge. This can also be achieved by selecting and filling various gauge line widths.

Further, the rotation means (shaft) means may be provided with a rotary encoder or the like, and a rotation angle detection means may be employed to detect the position of the light injection means. This (movement) amount may be used as the correction amount of the horizontal position. The position of the light injection means may be detected by camera measurement using a tooth fixing camera and coordinate matching means. In this case, as an advantage, a new light spot is unnecessary. However, the disadvantage is that if the light spot is obstructed, measurement becomes impossible.



Or any combination thereof.

When detecting the vertical position of the caries, an optical probe having a plurality of light injection means in any one of FIGS. 15, 16, or 17 is used. (Multi optical probe)

Alternatively, a scanning means for scanning in the vertical direction manually or automatically is used.

As the tooth fixing camera, Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-1942 is used.

In this case, when the optical probe external means position setting means is installed on the optical probe, the coordinate system of the tooth fixing camera and the optical probe is aligned, and as an example, the horizontal position and vertical position of the caries can be aligned. FIG.

As the lens system, a telecentric lens can be easily designed, but a normal lens can also be used. The number of imaging means and the number of light spots in each case are described.

A Telecentric lens Install two or more imaging devices with different positions and three or more light spots.

A normal lens with an angle of view One or more imaging means with different positions and one or more light spots are installed. (However, when there are less than two light spots, the light spot has an area on the imaging surface such as 2 dots or more.)



The imaging range of the imaging unit of the camera may be located anywhere as long as the caries on the adjacent surface can be captured, but basically the perpendicular direction is the optical axis from the position of the injection port of the light injection unit.

6 (indirect) tooth fixing means (fixing means by an object, electromagnetic waves, etc.) indicated by arrows of the tooth fixing camera, there are various fixing means from just placing them to sticking, adhering and adhering. Then there are two examples.) When the tip is not accompanied by a conical (direct) tooth fixing means, the camera has a mechanism that allows the position to be defined by the indirect tooth fixing means indicated by the arrow and the optical probe external means position setting means. 16, 17, and 18, a plurality of light-injection type probes are used to photograph a plurality of light spots on a camera image, and a coordinate matching unit that aligns the optical probe and the camera position from the position of the light spot is used. Also good. That is, when the uppermost light spot and the next light spot (on the root side) coincide with each other when viewed from the tooth, it is vertical, and when it is shifted, a coordinate matching means is used to calculate the position of the camera and probe by the deviation. May be. (In FIG. 6, the indirect tooth fixing means is indicated by two arrows.)

Here, as another example of using the tooth fixing camera, it is preferable to use the coordinate matching means with the optical probe in FIG. Specifically, a gauge (color, black and white or light spot), a mirror, a beam light receiving unit, a reflecting unit, a rough surface unit, and the like are installed in the R portion of the optical probe in FIG. (Optical probe external means position setting means) Any one or a combination of fixing means of the tooth fixing camera is connected to this portion in order to align the coordinates. This connection includes electromagnetic waves and particles such as light. When this connection is made, the shape of both means is measured at least 3 points + 3 points (in three-dimensional coordinates), and the light injection position for vertical position measurement is matched with the image of the tooth fixing camera. This is also an example of coordinate matching means.

Here, the dentine caries determination stage includes at least the 2 dentin caries determination means .

(Generally, general-purpose image processing means (primary processing) is provided in the preceding stage.)

[Operation]

When the power is turned on,

The means (a type that outputs an image signal by a CCD camera) visualizes the tooth injected with light by the optical probe (means) with a tooth fixing camera and outputs the image. The video signal is A / D converted and stored in the storage means. Based on this video information, the 2 dentin caries determination means recognizes caries from the video of the video storage means.

Specifically, the image is held by the reaction image processing unit, the tooth range extracting unit extracts a tooth range from the image, and the caries image in the tooth image is used as the 2 dentine caries determination unit. Is extracted, and the display means displays it. At this time, the 4 dentin caries spread determining means may specify the spread and display it.

In other words, the horizontal position and the horizontal spread of the carious tooth are detected.

Further, here, the vertical position of the caries may be detected.

Vertical position detection:

At this time, when the probe tip is moved up and down, there is a region or a point where the contrast changes rapidly. (The graph on the right side of FIG. 18 shows the change in the luminance of the caries image obtained from the imaging means. That is, the brightness, signal, and signal of the caries image captured by the camera (imaging means) depending on the location of light injection. This is a change in contrast.) The vertical position detecting means detects the sudden change, and the vertical position is displayed on a tooth image captured by the general-purpose image processing means, such as 3 mm. As a result, it is determined which position of the tooth's vertical position is caries. (Refer to the upper diagram in FIG. 18)

Here, either the light injection of the left and right optical probes may be guided to the light receiving element, the amount of light passing may be measured, and the relative vertical position of the tooth and the optical probe may be measured. An example of this signal is shown in the lower diagram of FIG.

[Constitution]

A An example of vertical position detection means is

at least

Multiple light injection means on the buccal side and lingual side,

Vertical position signal detecting means for indicating a vertical position

With.

Each light injection means is

A plurality of light injection means equivalent to the probe shown in FIG. 27 (fourth embodiment) of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-305406 are provided, and the bite is occluded on the buccal tongue side as shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. Many are arranged in the surface to root surface direction. Other means and functions are the same as those of the probe shown in FIG. 27 (fourth embodiment) of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-305406. (Individual light injection means are equivalent.)

15, 16, and 17 are arranged at the interdental portion so that a plurality of light injections can be performed from the left, right, top and bottom as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. Then, when light is sequentially injected from the left and right light injection means on the upper side of the figure (occlusion surface) and injection is continued in the direction of the tooth root, the luminance of the “carious image” extracted by the image processing or the like , Contrast, color, etc. change as shown in the graph on the right in FIG. The vertical position detection means detects the vertical position of the caries by capturing this change. Further, the vertical shape detection means may detect the vertical shape.

Further, the light may be injected by changing the wavelength of each light injection. In that case, the signal on the right in FIG. 18 is obtained at the same time. It is also possible to simultaneously obtain two types of information: fluorescence of enamel caries and fluorescence of dentin caries. From these two pieces of information, screening of dentin caries interfering substances can be performed. If the contrast method is also used, the diagnostic accuracy can be further improved. In addition, camera shake can be prevented, such as a minimum of one image from the camera.

Here, light injection means (such as a fiber step end) may also be disposed on the occlusal surface of the tooth. At this time, the portion of the fiber that is not blocked by the tooth has a large light transmission, and may be used as a reference position detecting means for observing the storage stability such as polarized light. (Bottom of FIG. 18) This may be measured by using a light passing light amount measuring means for measuring the light passing amount of the right and left light injecting means. An example of this is the graph on the right side of FIG. This result is output to the reference position detecting means. The coordinate matching means may match the coordinates based on this value. (Fig. 28)

When coherent light is used as main light or auxiliary light, coherency may be used as a reference. Furthermore, the three-dimensional information may be increased by using coherent detection. Furthermore, the function of caries may be detected using PO4 absorption, that is, 9.6 μm.

The vertical position signal detection means is as shown in FIG. 28 (any of the means in FIG. 28 or a combination thereof).

As an example, the image recognition means of FIG.

Imaging means,

General-purpose image processing means,

Caries range extracting means (with tooth range image extracting means if necessary)

Threshold means

And at least.

As another example of the vertical position signal detection means,

A light detection means such as a photodiode;

Threshold means

And at least.

B As an example of other vertical position detection means,

With vertical movement means

Vertical position signal detecting means for indicating a vertical position

With.

Here, the vertical movement means is

It has means such as a motor.

The vertical position signal detecting means employs the same means as described above.

Etc.

The vertical spread detection means may use the vertical spread detection means in the following operation example using the signal analyzed by the vertical position detection means as it is, or

Each light injection means uses a fiber in many cases, but the irradiation angle from the fiber stump varies depending on the wavelength of light injected into the fiber, the polarization, the phase, the load of electromagnetic waves on the fiber, etc. It is also possible to use a vertical spread detection means that detects the vertical spread by changing the irradiation angle by using a variable irradiation angle means, and detecting the vertical spread based on any one of the contrast, color, and brightness of the carious image. Of course, a light source such as LED or LD may be used for multi-type light injection to obtain the same effect.

Furthermore, when the polarization angle of the injection light is changed by the polarization means for changing the polarization, the traveling of the enamel trabeculae is known on the adjacent surface, so the light irradiation angle is changed as a predetermined angular intensity vector. A vertical spread detecting means or a tomographic means for obtaining a vertical spread image or a tomographic image of caries by using any one of the contrast vector, the contrast, the color, and the brightness of the caries image or a combination thereof may be adopted.

Here, the simultaneous equation method may be used for the calculation of the tomographic means, or the Fourier transform method may be used. These methods and means may be applied using the CT methods and means as a basic idea. That is, CT analysis means may be adopted for the information from the angular intensity vector and the caries image (pixel group or pixel). In other words, the CT analysis means may be connected to any of the means shown in FIG.

Further, when the light injection is performed by changing the wavelength of the light injection, an effect equivalent to changing the angle can be obtained. You may acquire a tomographic image using this. Further, a capacity measuring means for measuring the three-dimensional size (capacity) of caries by changing the wavelength of light may be used.

Furthermore, information on the enamel caries part and the dentin caries part may be obtained by using fluorescence and used as an analysis parameter of a tomographic image. Information on contrast methods may also be used as analysis parameters for tomographic images.

Here, since excitation can be performed in multiple directions, it is useful as tomographic information.

Here, the parameters of tomography may be reduced according to FIGS. This can be done because the shape of the caries is formed according to the anatomical form such as enamel trabeculae, dentinal tubules or collagen running.

[Operation]

As an example of the specific operation of A, light injection is scanned from the bottom to the top (from top to bottom) using an array-shaped optical probe as shown in FIG.

Then, the vertical position signal detection means stores the optical probe position having the maximum differential value of the optical signal, or the position of the optical probe that has become a predetermined threshold value or less in the storage means. This reveals the vertical position of the caries. The predetermined value of the predetermined threshold may be determined by the operator, or a statistical value may be adopted. (Upper figure of FIG. 18)

Here, the optical signal is a carious image obtained by adopting at least the imaging means and the general-purpose image processing means of FIG.

Detection of vertical spread:

As described above, the probe tip is moved vertically, or the light output is scanned in the one-dimensional array or the two-dimensional array as described above, and the vertical spread detection means detects the contrast change of the caries image. Therefore, the range of the tooth that takes an intermediate value between the upper limit value and the lower limit value represents a vertical spread as an example. This is detected by the vertical spread detection means, and as an example, it is overlapped with a natural image or displayed two-dimensionally. (Upper figure of FIG. 18)

As another example, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 18, the range in the case where the differential value is larger than a certain threshold is set as the vertical extension of the caries. This may be detected by the vertical spread detecting means.

At this time, this range can be measured by probe coordinates. Since the horizontal spread can also be measured by probe coordinates, the horizontal spread, the position and vertical spread, the position, etc. are completely measured in the same coordinate system. Furthermore, if the 3D measuring means is used in combination with the tooth outline and tooth fixing camera, the 3D shape coordinates of the tooth can also be measured in the same coordinate system, so the 3D position and shape of the caries can be observed, In addition, the position of the tooth is also found. This enables advanced MI formation. Furthermore, it is possible to form restorations by CAD / CAM, and this CAD / CAM restoration also becomes a highly accurate MI restoration. (See FIGS. 24, 25, 26, and 27)

At this time, advanced MI formation and repair can be performed by using a handpiece using a light spot at the time of formation, or by using a bar equipped with a gauge as shown in FIG. Specifically, if the initial formation is performed at the gauge position corresponding to the depth detected by the vertical position detection means, the minimum formation is achieved. In addition, in a handpiece using a light spot, the three-dimensional position of the handpiece and the caries can be aligned, so that a minimum (MI) cavity can be formed, and the shape of the cavity can be measured simultaneously. Because of its shape, a ceramic inlay such as zirconia may be CAMed. In addition, the gauge may be located at any position as long as the depth can be recognized, such as a gauge on the handpiece.

Furthermore, in the case of the R type, since there is a frame on the occlusal surface, if there is a gauge on this frame, it becomes a reference for the gauge of the handpiece or bar. That is, since the relative positional relationship between the vertical position from the vertical position detecting means and the R type gauge position is known without the coordinate matching means, it is convenient for alignment in the depth direction (vertical position direction). R type is convenient for aligning the vertical position of the caries and the bar or handpiece because the main body frame is located near the occlusal surface.

That is, the two-dimensional vertical spread image and the two-dimensional horizontal spread image are measured in the same coordinates or in a convertible coordinate system, so that they can be easily synthesized by known image synthesis means. A 2.5-dimensional or approximately three-dimensional spread image can be generated. This position and spread can be matched to the same coordinates as the teeth, probe, handpiece, etc. by the coordinate matching means.

Specifically, a vertically enlarged image processing means which is a morphing image processing means for registering a carious (conical) image on the occlusal surface as a horizontal image and expanding it three-dimensionally with a vertically spread image. Of caries in 2 ? A three-dimensional image is created. Although it is not an accurate 3D image, it has almost the same quality as a 3D image.

The above-described three-dimensional means may be manufactured and used by any one or combination thereof selected by the manufacturer or operator.

[effect]

Dentin caries can be confirmed and confirmed. Furthermore, the three-dimensional position and spread can also be confirmed.

This enables advanced MI (minimum) formation and MI (minimum) repair.



Here, the multi-type optical probe (FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, etc.)

1 Vertical position can be detected.

2 Vertical spread detection is possible.

3 Tomography can be performed.

4. Individual fluorescence index method, contrast index method, external shape index method, and specific wavelength index method can be used simultaneously or in time series. This dramatically increases the diagnostic accuracy.

5 Horizontal position can also be detected.

6 Horizontal spread detection is also possible.

7 Coordinates of camera, teeth, caries, probe, etc. can be aligned.

8 3D measurement such as 3D position and 3D shape can be performed in the coordinate system fixed to the tooth.

9 The intensity of excitation light of fluorescence can be enhanced.

10 Multidirectional excitation is possible.

11 Very compatible with high-frequency diagnosis.

It has excellent effects such as.

[Modification]

Here, the cavity formation may be performed with a minimum (MI) removal amount using this optical probe.

As an example, the cavity forming means shown in FIG. 23 is used.

Here, forming means such as those shown in FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 may be used.

The probe may be mounted, and the tunnel cavity may be formed by the cavity forming means as shown in FIGS. In this case, the minimum amount of tooth removal can be achieved. Until now, it was impossible or difficult to observe the position of the buccal tongue caries, but the position of the buccal caries can be confirmed by this probe, and an accurate formation starting point can be found. In addition, since the initial insertion depth of the bar is determined based on the vertical position information by the vertical position detecting means, a minimum deletion amount can be ensured vertically. In this case, it is better to use a length measuring bar (means) in which a gauge is marked on the forming bar. (An example of a gauge is shown in FIG. 27.)

In the above embodiment, an array (scanning) type light injection means is used, but a beam scanning type light injection means may be used. In the case of the beam scanning type, a mirror as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 may be used.



In the above, it is adapted to dentin caries, but may be applied to other caries determination such as enamel caries. In that case, the image recognition means

1 Enamel caries determination means a Fluorescence measurement observation means by ultraviolet to blue excitation

b Contrast observation means by transmitted light (low contrast)

2 Dentin caries determination means a Contrast observation means by transmitted light (high contrast)

b Caries contour observation means

c Fluorescence observation means by red light excitation

3 Enamel caries spread determination means Image outline extraction means by 1-a and 1-b above

4 Dentin caries spread determining means Image outer shape extracting means by 2-a, 2-b, 2-c above

Change to one or a combination. (However, the use of only the dentine caries determination means in the above embodiment is duplicated.)

[General modification]

The tooth fixing means of the tooth fixing camera may employ expansion / contraction means and angle variable means to increase the degree of freedom of installation.

(Fig. 6)

Three-dimensional measurement may be performed by projecting stripes from the optical probe. At this time, it is better to use a tooth fixing camera.

Further, if the handpiece (with light spot) shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 is replaced with a probe (with light spot), contact-type three-dimensional shape measurement can be performed even in the oral cavity. Thereby, the shape of a pit and a fissure can be measured, and it can become a standard of a caries progress degree. Further, as the three-dimensional measuring means, any one of or a combination of three-dimensional measuring device, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-264722, three-dimensional shape measuring device, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-183145, three-dimensional observation device may be used.

Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 3-74033 CAD / CAM of an interdental restoration preparation device may be used. In that case, since the measurement is performed with a probe fixed to the tooth, the accuracy is higher than the measurement performed by freehand. You may mount this in an optical probe like FIG.24, FIG.25, FIG.26. Also, MI can be formed and repaired.

Further, a cavity cavity over-measurement means that issues a warning when a minimal cavity is projected onto the tooth for caries or when the outline exceeds the cutting tool trajectory may be employed. This navigation means may be applied to implant drills.

An operation display device for Japanese Patent Application No. 8-273760 may be used. In that case, since the locus of the cutting element can be measured, the MI (minimum) cavity can be formed. You may mount this in an optical probe like FIG.24, FIG.25, FIG.26.

Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 3-74033 CAD / CAM of a preparation device for interdental restorations and one of each means of an operation display device of Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-273760, or a combination thereof, is mounted on an optical probe. 24, 25, and 26. FIG. Here, the lens and the light spot of the imaging means when using the imaging means are set as follows.

A Telecentric lens Install two or more imaging devices with different positions and three or more light spots.

A normal lens with an angle of view One or more imaging means with different positions and one or more light spots are installed. (However, when there are less than two light spots, the light spot has an area on the imaging surface such as 2 dots or more.)

The optimum position may be secured according to the light injection map in FIG. A plurality of independent light injection position setting means may be provided to optimize the light injection individually.

Mirrors may be mounted on both sides of the optical probe, and the occlusal surface and the adjacent surface may be captured as one image. In this case, the horizontal position, shape, and vertical position shape can be observed and measured in the same coordinate system. (FIGS. 20, 21, and 22)

21 and 22 are also suitable for observing fluorescence from caries. It has the effect of increasing the fluorescence signal intensity. (Excitation intensity can be increased and detection intensity can be increased.)

Furthermore, the mirror of FIGS. 21 and 22 can scan the beam and can be used for light injection for vertical position detection.

Further, scanning light from the occlusal surface and light from the buccal tongue side can be used simultaneously.

Reproducible measurement may be performed using a tooth probe coordinate matching means for matching the coordinates of the tooth and the optical probe with reference to the light spot. In this case, the progress of caries can be quantitatively measured over time. (FIGS. 18, 19, and 26)

Here, the coordinates of the tooth and the optical probe are matched with the light spot, but various shapes such as the probe corner, line, curve, and circular shape can be used for edge finding 3D measurement (an example of 3D shape measurement means). Then, tooth probe coordinate matching means for coordinate matching between feature points and teeth may be used. Furthermore, as the three-dimensional measuring means, any one of or a combination thereof, such as a three-dimensional measuring device of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-264722, a three-dimensional shape measuring device of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-248434, a three-dimensional observation device of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. .

The above-mentioned means may be realized by complete hardware, or a general-purpose PC and software.

It may be realized by air.

Moreover, it is good also as a manual means which displays the whole image as shown in FIG.

In the above embodiment, RGB values are mainly used, but Ce, Mg, Ye, G or other color display systems (CMYK, CIE L * a * b *, etc.) can be used in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. A color display may be used.

The above embodiments or modifications may be implemented alone or in combination.

As an example, there is no excessive or insufficient formation in cooperation with the cutting system.

As a further example, it is used in combination with Japanese Patent Application No. 11-136132 Explorer. In this case, since the moisture, pH, or tooth element amount such as P, F, C, etc. of the carious portion is known, functional information can be added to the information on the caries position, shape, etc. of the present invention. That is, it is possible to grasp the future caries risk such as the progress of caries and caries risk. Specifically, the mechanism (each means) shown in FIG. 8 of the Japanese Patent Application No. 11-136132 Explorer is applied to the light injection position and the three positions of the camera. Specifically, the magnetic field applying means or / and the gradient magnetic field means are installed at the same position as the light injection means or as a pair of any of the multiple injections shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. Then, the reception or excitation high-frequency coil is wound around the position of the fixed tooth camera or its adjacent position or the camera. With this means, optical diagnosis and high frequency diagnosis can be applied to the same part at the same time.

As a result, it is possible to measure the pH, moisture content, P, F, etc. of the caries site, etc., and further improve the diagnostic accuracy.

In the determination of the 3 state 2 shape in paragraph 0007 above,

“To determine caries, first, the“ three states of caries ”in the hard tissue of enamel and dentin and the“ sizes of two types of caries (shape or spread) ”are determined. Specifically, 1. whether enamel caries have occurred (determining C0, C1); 2. whether the caries has reached the dentin (C2 determined); 1. Confirmation and size of three states in the presence or absence of dental caries (determination of C3). 1. Size of enamel caries (shape or spread); Observation, measurement, and confirmation of the size (shape or spread) of dentin caries. The five elements of this three-state two-shape (size or spread) are caries confirmation. "

The three-state functional diagnosis can be performed. It is particularly suitable for measuring whether or not dental caries has reached the dental pulp. (It can be used for the dental caries determination means of FIG. 1)

Furthermore, the high-frequency diagnosis may be performed by pouring sucrose solution such as 5% into the caries site. In this case, the caries risk and the like can be determined from the rising and falling curves of pH.

Furthermore, here, an electric circuit for applying a direct current or an alternating current instead of a high frequency may be used. Conventionally, caries electrodiagnosis was poorly reproducible, but this probe's tooth fixing means, coordinate alignment means, vertical position detection means, horizontal position detection means, etc., or a combination of them, provides high accuracy and high reproducibility. Electron can be installed at the caries site. As a specific example, one of the Multi optical probes is energized as an electric wire. The other electric element may be an angular conductor or a body case. This electrodiagnosis also provides diagnostic information such as dentin caries and pulp caries.

Furthermore, as another example, the X-ray image may be used by linking the position and shape. In this case, the position and shape of the X-ray image are corrected and become accurate. In addition, the shape and position of the caries become accurate, and further function information can be added. The optical probe has image information only for the part where the image is shown, but since it links with photographic image information of the entire oral cavity such as an ortho, there is an advantage that it can be linked with large image information. Furthermore, generally, since the dental X-ray image information is an image in the near-centrifugal direction, it can be made into three-dimensional image information together with the buccal tongue direction image of the present optical probe.

As another example, if a manipulator is attached to the probe, treatment or prevention can be performed without inserting a finger into the oral cavity. This enables highly accurate and efficient operations such as extraction of residual roots, root canal treatment, root planing in the gingival sulcus, SRP, deplaking, and implant drilling.

Furthermore, if a camera and a manipulator are used in combination with this probe, more advanced work becomes possible.

Can observe, inspect and measure enamel caries and dentin caries. Based on this, caries can be confirmed. Furthermore, MI can be formed and repaired. In addition, prevention and treatment can be judged, and there are no over or under treatments. The 15

An example of a dental disease confirmation device (caries confirmation (means)). Adopt cooperation means as needed. The place (map) where light is mainly injected is shown. Tooth light injection map In addition to this map, in case of position detection. Example of G type optical probe (G type) An example of G type optical probe (Wide) (wide type) (G type wide) Example of R type optical probe (R type) Example of optical probe external means position setting means Example of using coordinate matching means of R-type optical probe and fixed tooth camera. An example of an adjacent caries image. Taken image Probe removal image Tooth separation image 1 Tooth separation image 2 Index image of enamel caries determination means 1-a Fluorescence measurement observation means by ultraviolet to blue excitation 1-b Contrast observation means by transmitted light (low contrast) Enamel caries spread determination means By 1-a and 1-b above The outline of the image is also shown. Index image of dentin caries determination means 2-a Contrast observation means by transmitted light (high contrast) 2-b Caries contour observation means 2-c Fluorescence observation means by red light excitation Dentin caries spread determination means Above 2-a , 2-b, and 2-c are also shown. Schematic diagram of adjacent surface caries. An example of the multiple light injection means in the vertical position detection means. (An example of R type) An example of the multiple light injection means in the vertical position detection means. (Example for G type) An example of the multiple light injection means in the vertical position detection means. (Example of R and G mixed type) An example of operation | movement of the multiple light injection means in a vertical position detection means. Above figure Example of vertical position signal. An example of a signal from an image sensor. The figure below shows an example of the measured value of the light passing light quantity measuring means. An example of the gauge (means) in an example of a horizontal position detection means. An example of a gauge and a mirror (means) as an example of coordinate matching means of the vertical position detecting means. A mirror (means) as an example of coordinate matching means. (G type) A mirror (means) as an example of coordinate matching means. (R type) An example of the connection between the cavity forming means and the optical probe. Japanese Patent Application No. 8-273760 Handpiece operation display device and Japanese Patent Application No. 3-74033 Interdental restoration preparation device CAD / CAM light spot tracking type and optical probe. (G type) Japanese Patent Application No. 8-273760 Handpiece operation display device and Japanese Patent Application No. 3-74033 Interdental restoration preparation device CAD / CAM light spot tracking type and optical probe. (R type) An example of an optical probe position alignment means. It can be linked to the CAD / CAM of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-273760 handpiece operation display device or Japanese Patent Application No. 3-74033 interdental restoration preparation device, and the three-dimensional position or shape of the tooth And link (coordinate matching). When coordinated (linked) with the shape, the position of caries can be measured and observed with good reproducibility. An example of a gauge cutting tool (cutting means). The depth formed is easily known. An example of a three-dimensional means.

Claims (15)

The dental disease confirmation device is provided with a dental caries confirmation means.

The dental disease confirmation device is provided with a predetermined optical probe (means).

The dental disease confirmation device is provided with a vertical position detection means for detecting a vertical position of a caries or a dental defect.

The dental disease confirmation device is provided with a horizontal position detection means for detecting a horizontal position of a caries or a dental defect.

The dental disease confirmation device comprises a three-dimensional shape measuring means and a predetermined optical probe (means).

The dental disease confirmation device is provided with a cavity forming means and a predetermined optical probe (means).

The dental disease confirmation device is characterized by comprising a tomographic means.

The dental disease determination device is a three-dimensional position shape detection of a cutting tool in either or a combination of a device for creating an interdental restoration for Japanese Patent Application No. 3-74033 or an operation display device for a handpiece of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-273760. A dental disease determination device comprising means and a predetermined optical probe (means).

The dental disease confirmation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a predetermined camera integrated optical probe (means).

The dental disease confirmation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

A dental disease determination device comprising an enamel caries determination means as a caries determination means.

The dental disease confirmation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

A dental disease determination device comprising an enamel caries spread determination means as a caries determination means.

The dental disease determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

A dental disease determination device comprising dentin caries determination means as caries determination means.

The dental disease confirmation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,

A dental disease determination device comprising dentin caries spread determination means as a caries determination means.

The dental disease confirmation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,

A dental disease determination device comprising a dental pulp caries determination means as a caries determination means.

The dental disease confirmation device according to any one of claims 1 to 14,

Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 11-136132 A dental disease determination device comprising any means of an explorer or a combination thereof.

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