JP2010104652A - Dental imaging apparatus, dental imaging system and instrument for dental therapy - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To image a site of action of a treatment tool in accordance with exchange of treatment tools. <P>SOLUTION: A dental imaging apparatus 30 which is attached to a dental treatment tool 10 includes: an imaging module 132 which has imaging elements and optical components; and a support part 50 which has an attaching part 52 attachable to the dental treatment tool 10 and supports the imaging module 132 in such a manner that at least either of its position and posture can freely be changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for imaging a treatment site during dental treatment.

  Conventionally, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for incorporating an imaging device in a dental treatment instrument.

  In Patent Document 1, an optical fiber imaging bundle and a CCD camera are built in an instrument. An objective lens system is provided at one end of the optical fiber imaging bundle, and the objective lens system is located in the vicinity of the treatment tool and the work area. Then, light from the imaging location is guided to the CCD camera via the objective lens and the optical fiber imaging bundle so that the imaging location can be imaged.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which an imaging unit is arranged at the front end of a hand piece.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-66677 JP 2004-81845 A

  By the way, according to the site | part etc. of a treatment object, a treatment tool is changed suitably. However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 or 2, since the objective lens or the imaging device is fixed at a fixed position and a fixed posture, the imaging range is a fixed range. For this reason, when a treatment tool is exchanged or the like, a situation may arise in which the portion of the treatment tool acting on the teeth cannot be properly imaged.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to image an action part of a treatment tool in accordance with replacement of the treatment tool or the like.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a dental imaging apparatus attached to a dental treatment instrument, comprising an imaging module having at least an imaging element and an optical member, and an attachment part attachable to the dental treatment instrument, And a support unit that supports at least one of the position and orientation of the imaging module in a changeable manner. In the present application, “position” means a spatial arrangement, and “posture” means an angle or the direction of the imaging axis of the imaging module.

  A 2nd aspect is a dental imaging device which concerns on a 1st aspect, Comprising: The said attachment part is comprised so that attachment or detachment to a dental treatment tool is possible.

  A 3rd aspect is a dental imaging device which concerns on the 1st or 2nd aspect, Comprising: The said attaching part is comprised so that attachment of at least one of a position and an attitude | position is possible with respect to a dental treatment tool. It is what.

  A 4th aspect is a dental imaging device which concerns on any one of the 1st-3rd aspect, Comprising: The said support part is the said imaging module with respect to the said attachment part, At least one is in position and attitude | position. It has a connecting portion that is variably supported.

  A 5th aspect is a dental imaging device which concerns on a 4th aspect, Comprising: The said connection part is formed in the elongate member which can be bent by operation of a finger.

  A sixth aspect is a dental imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the attachment part is detachably attached to a main body part having a drive part for generating an action force for dental treatment. And is attached to the main body of the dental treatment tool when attached to a dental treatment tool having a treatment tool that receives a force for dental treatment from the drive unit and acts on a treatment target site, A support part has a connection part which supports the said imaging module with respect to the said dental treatment tool so that at least one of a position and a posture can be changed freely.

  A seventh aspect is the dental imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the attachment part is detachably attached to the main body part having a drive part for generating an action force for dental treatment. At least one of the position and the posture of the dental treatment tool when attached to the dental treatment tool having a treatment tool that receives the acting force for dental treatment from the drive unit and acts on the treatment target site. It is comprised so that attachment can be changed freely.

  An eighth aspect is the dental imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the attachment portion is attached to a dental treatment instrument having a treatment tool acting on a treatment target site, and the treatment of the dental treatment tool is performed. It is configured to be detachably attachable to the tool.

  A ninth aspect is a dental imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be elastically fitted to the dental treatment tool. It is.

  A tenth aspect is a dental imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which an illumination light emitting unit is integrated with the imaging module.

  An eleventh aspect is a dental imaging apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein the illumination light emitting unit includes an illumination unit for normal imaging and an excitation light illumination unit for a fluorescent image that extracts an abnormal part. Is.

  A twelfth aspect is a dental imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein at least a part of the imaging element or at least a part of the imaging module is a heat resistant resin. It is covered with the formed protective member.

  A thirteenth aspect is a dental imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, and further includes a wireless transmission circuit unit that wirelessly transmits an image signal captured by the imaging element. .

  A fourteenth aspect is a dental imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, and includes a plurality of the imaging modules.

  A fifteenth aspect is a dental imaging apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, further comprising an image selection output unit that selectively outputs an image signal from each of the imaging elements of the plurality of imaging modules. .

  The sixteenth aspect includes a plurality of dental imaging apparatuses according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

  A seventeenth aspect is a dental imaging system according to the sixteenth aspect, further comprising an image selection output unit that selectively outputs an image signal from each imaging element of the plurality of dental imaging devices. It is.

  An eighteenth aspect is a dental treatment instrument device comprising a dental treatment tool and a dental imaging device having an imaging module, wherein the dental treatment tool generates an action force for dental treatment. A dental treatment tool having a main body having a drive unit and a treatment tool that is detachably attached to the main body and receives a force for dental treatment from the drive unit and acts on a treatment target site. The imaging module includes at least an imaging element and an optical member, and the imaging device for dental treatment includes an attachment portion that is attached to the main body portion so that at least one of a position and a posture can be freely changed. It has a support part that supports at least one of the position and posture of the module in a changeable manner.

  According to the dental imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the imaging module is supported by the support unit so that at least one of the position and the posture can be changed. For this reason, according to replacement | exchange etc. of a treatment tool, the position or attitude | position of an imaging module can be changed so that the action part of a treatment tool can be imaged.

  Here, the action part of the treatment tool is an action of removing foreign substances such as plaque or calculus, or a cutting or excision action on teeth or gums, etc. on a treatment target site such as teeth or gingiva. Or the part which acts for various treatments, such as a washing | cleaning effect | action.

  According to the second aspect, since the support portion is detachably attached to the dental treatment tool, each dental treatment tool can be used while the dental imaging device is selectively attached to a plurality of dental treatment tools. Accordingly, the position or orientation of the imaging module can be changed so that the action part can be imaged. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated imaging device for each dental treatment tool, and at least one dental imaging device can handle a plurality of dental treatment tools, so that the cost of the dental imaging device can be reduced.

  According to the third aspect, by changing the position or posture of the attachment portion with respect to the dental treatment tool, the position and posture of the imaging module can be changed to adjust the imaging range.

  According to the 4th aspect, the position and attitude | position of an imaging module can be flexibly changed by a connection part.

  According to the fifth aspect, the position or posture of the imaging module can be easily changed even during the treatment by deforming the connecting portion with fingers.

  According to the 6th aspect, since an imaging module is attached to a main-body part via a support part, the action force for dental treatment becomes difficult to be transmitted to an imaging module. Further, the position and posture of the imaging module can be flexibly changed by the connecting portion.

  According to the 7th aspect, since an imaging module is attached to a main-body part via a support part, the action force for dental treatment becomes difficult to be transmitted to an imaging module.

  According to the eighth aspect, the attachment portion is configured to be detachably attachable to the treatment tool acting on the treatment target site, and thus the dental imaging device is selectively attached to the plurality of treatment tools. The imaging module can be disposed near the tip of the treatment tool. Furthermore, an imaging module may be disposed near the gripping portion of the treatment tool. In that case, the imaging module itself is approximated to be supported by fingers, and treatment and imaging operations can be performed in parallel. .

  According to the ninth aspect, the dental imaging device can be detachably attached using elastic force. Also, the attaching / detaching work is simple.

  According to the tenth aspect, the imaging region can be easily illuminated. Further, the relative positional relationship between the imaging area and the illumination area is maintained. Furthermore, the relative positional relationship between the imaging region and the illumination region can be easily adjusted depending on the design for integrating the illumination light emitting unit into the imaging module.

  According to the 11th aspect, the light according to the necessity for imaging | photography can be irradiated. In particular, the treatment can be performed while clearly observing the treatment target site by the fluorescence image.

  According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to improve waterproofness and autoclave resistance.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, since the transmission path for outputting the image signal from the dental treatment tool can be wireless, it is possible to improve the handleability of the dental treatment tool.

  According to the 14th aspect, it can image from a several direction with a some imaging module. For example, even if there is an imaging obstacle in the imaging area of a certain imaging module, if there is no imaging obstacle in the imaging area of another imaging module, treatment is performed without trouble while observing the image taken from either direction. It can be performed.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, a desired image can be output among images that can be captured by a plurality of image sensors.

  According to the 16th aspect, it can image from a plurality of directions with a plurality of dental imaging devices. Furthermore, the number of imaging devices attached to the treatment tool can be increased or decreased as necessary.

  According to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to output a desired image among images that can be captured by a plurality of image sensors.

  According to the eighteenth aspect, the imaging module is supported by the support unit so that at least one of the position and the posture can be changed. For this reason, according to replacement | exchange etc. of a treatment tool, the position or attitude | position of an imaging module can be changed so that the action part of a treatment tool can be imaged. Further, since the imaging module is attached to the main body via the support portion, it is difficult for the acting force for dental treatment to be transmitted to the imaging module.

{Explanation about teeth and assumptions that are examples of application}
In describing the embodiment, first, a configuration of a tooth which is an application target example of an apparatus based on the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a human tooth. The human tooth 500 has a crown portion 502 exposed to the oral cavity and a root portion 510 extending from the crown portion 502. The surface of the root portion 510 is covered with a periodontal membrane (not shown). The crown portion 502 is composed of enamel 503, dentin 504, and the like. A medullary chamber 507 is formed in the crown portion 502. The tooth root 510 is composed of dentin 504, cementum 506, and the like, and is supported by alveolar bone 520 and gingiva 522. In the root portion 510, a root canal 512 extending along the extending direction is formed. The dental pulps 508 and 514 in the crown portion 502 and the root portion 510 are connected to blood vessels and nerves under the alveolar bone 520. The most distal portion of the root portion 510 on the alveolar bone 520 side is called the apex 511 (APEX), and the opening of the apex 511 on the alveolar bone 520 side is called the apical hole.

  Examples of the treatment operation for the tooth 500 include removal of plaque or calculus in the periodontal pocket 530 between the tooth 500 and the gum 522, and removal of dental caries and the like from the tooth 500. Various operations such as partial cutting and root canal enlargement can be mentioned. Such an operation is performed while observing the state of the tooth 500 to be treated and the mutual relationship between the tooth 500 and the treatment instrument. When such treatment is performed, there is a site that is difficult for a surgeon performing direct treatment. The part that cannot be directly viewed is caused by the shape of the tooth 500 itself or the relative positional relationship between the tooth 500, the treatment instrument, and the operator's eyes. The surgeon needs to treat such a region that cannot be directly viewed.

  In particular, when treatment is performed on the back side of the tooth 500 or in the medullary chamber 507 or the root canal 512 of the tooth 500, the tooth 500 itself or the treatment tool itself obstructs the blind spot. It is easy and direct observation of the site to be treated becomes extremely difficult.

  In the present embodiment, a technique will be described that enables a region to be treated to be more reliably imaged and observed even during the treatment as described above.

{First embodiment}
In the first embodiment, a dental imaging apparatus 30 according to the basic concept will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the dental imaging device 30 attached to the dental treatment tool 10.

  The dental imaging device 30 is configured to be attachable to the dental treatment tool 10 and includes an imaging module 32 and a support portion 50.

  The imaging module 32 has a configuration in which an imaging element and an optical member such as a lens are integrated into a module. And in the predetermined imaging range which the said imaging module 32 points, it is comprised so that a treatment object location etc. can be imaged and an image signal can be output. The imaging module 32 is connected to the imaging control unit 60 via a cable 61 including a drive line and an image signal output line for the imaging element. The imaging control unit 60 is configured to control driving of the imaging device, perform predetermined image processing on an image signal input from the imaging device, and output the image signal to the display unit 70. It is also possible to downsize the imaging control unit 60 and incorporate it in the imaging module 32. The display unit 70 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a personal computer, or the like, and displays an image based on an image signal output from the imaging control unit 60. The display unit 70 may be downsized and attached to the wrist or finger of the operator or the dental treatment tool 10. In addition, the display unit 70 may be a head mounted display device or a retinal scanning display that projects an image on the retina.

  The support part 50 has an attachment part 52 that can be attached to the dental treatment tool 10, and is configured to be able to attach and support the imaging module 32 to the dental treatment tool 10. As the mounting portion 52, various mounting structures such as a structure that is elastically fitted and fixed using an elastic member such as rubber or elastic resin, a mounting structure that uses a screw or the like, a fitting and fixing structure that uses resin, etc. Can be used. It is preferable that the attachment part 52 is detachably attached to the dental treatment tool 10.

  The support unit 50 is configured to support the imaging module 32 so that at least one of the position and orientation can be changed. Here, a connecting portion 56 is provided between the attachment portion 52 and the imaging module 32, and by deforming the connecting portion 56, the imaging module 32 is supported so that the position and orientation can be changed.

  More specifically, the connecting portion 56 includes, as an example, an arm portion 56a, and at least bending portions 56b and 56c that can be bent at the end portion of the arm portion 56a and can maintain a certain bending shape after bending, It has in one place (here two places). The imaging module 32 can be changed in position and posture with respect to the mounting portion 52 by bending the connecting portion 56 at the bent portion 56b or 56c. In order to facilitate such position change and posture change, it is preferable that the bent portions 56b and 56c have a form maintaining force that can be bent by an operation force of a finger. Further, such a bent portion may be provided between the attachment portion 52 and the connecting portion 56.

  Then, the part of the dental treatment tool 10 where the imaging range E by the imaging module 32 acts on the treatment target part (usually the tip part 12Aa of the tool 12A), for example, the part from which plaque or tartar is removed, the teeth are cut, etc. The position and orientation of the imaging module 32 are adjusted as appropriate so as to include a portion that performs.

  Hereinafter, an example of the dental treatment tool 10 to which the dental imaging device 30 is attached will also be described generally.

  Usually, during dental treatment, it is necessary to replace the treatment tool according to the treatment content. Here, the treatment tool is an element including a portion that directly acts on a treatment target (hereinafter referred to as an action portion), for example, a pointed portion of a removal tool such as tartar, a blade portion of a cutting tool, a drill for expanding a root canal An element that has some effect on the treatment site, such as a blade portion. As a mode of exchanging the treatment tool, there are a case where the whole treatment tool is exchanged and a case where only the treatment tool portion detachably attached to the main body portion such as a handle is exchanged.

  A specific example of the first whole exchange type is a hand in which a root canal treatment file or reamer used in a state of being grasped with fingers, or a treatment tool integrated with a grasping portion (handle) or the like. A piece-type dental treatment device (for example, a hand scaler (including a gray secretet)), which is a dental treatment device that is configured to be entirely changed when it is replaced.

  A specific example of the second partial replacement type is a tool in which various treatment tools such as a cutting bar, a file, and a cutting tip are detachably mounted on a handle-shaped main body, and more specifically, This is the case where an ultrasonic scaler, air scaler, end holder, or the like is used.

  In any of the above cases, the position to be imaged is different because it is replaced with a treatment tool having various shapes. In order to cope with this, in the present invention, at least one of the position and orientation of the imaging module 32 can be adjusted.

  That is, when the dental treatment tool 10 shown in FIG. 3 is used while being held like the first overall replacement type, the dental imaging device 30 is detached from the used dental treatment tool 10, and this dental imaging device is used. 30 is attached to the dental treatment tool 10 to be used next, and the position and posture of the imaging module 32 are appropriately adjusted so that the imaging range E by the imaging module 32 includes the tip portion 12Ba of the tool 12B (FIG. 3). (Refer to an arcuate arrow indicating that the angle between the imaging module 32 and the connecting portion 56 is adjusted). Thereby, one dental imaging device 30 can be applied to a plurality of dental treatment tools 10 to perform imaging during treatment. In other words, the dental imaging device 30 is configured to be detachable from the dental treatment tool 10, and at least one of the position and posture of the imaging module 32 is configured to be changed, so that one dental imaging device 30 is configured. Can be made to correspond to a plurality of dental treatment devices 10.

  Moreover, in the dental treatment tool 10 shown in FIG. 3, the tool 12A is replaced with another tool 12B while the main body 11 portion remains unchanged, as in the second partial replacement type of the two types of dental treatment tools. In this case, the position and orientation of the imaging module 32 are adjusted as appropriate so that the imaging range E by the imaging module 32 includes the tip portion 12Ba of the tool 12B with the dental imaging device 30 attached. (See FIG. 3). As a result, the other tool 12B that has been replaced can be imaged during the treatment. That is, by configuring at least one of the position and orientation of the imaging module 32 to be changeable, the plurality of tools 12A and 12B can be handled. In this case, it is not always necessary that the dental imaging device 30 be detachable from the dental treatment tool 10.

  In the present embodiment, the support unit 50 supports the imaging module 32 by changing the shape of the connecting unit 56 so that the position and orientation can be freely changed. However, the configuration is not necessarily required. For example, by configuring the mounting portion 52 itself with an elastic body, it is possible to deform the mounting portion 52 itself and change the position and posture with respect to the tool, and thus change the mounting position or mounting posture of the mounting portion 52 itself. Thus, a configuration in which the position or orientation of the imaging module 32 is changed may be employed. Further, a bent portion may be provided between the attachment portion 52 and the connecting portion 56. In short, the entire support unit 50 may be configured to support the imaging module 32 so that at least one of the position and the posture can be changed. Various examples for that will be described in various embodiments later.

  As described above, the basic focus of the dental imaging apparatus 30 having the support unit 50 and the imaging module 32 is to support the imaging module 32 so that at least one of the position and the posture can be changed. Corresponding to the total exchange or partial exchange of the tool 10, it is possible to more reliably image the action part acting on the treatment target part of the treatment tool.

  Hereinafter, more specific description will be given based on each embodiment.

{Second Embodiment}
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a dental imaging apparatus 130 according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, as a dental treatment tool, a root canal treatment hand tool (more specifically, a hand file or a hand reamer), which is a type in which the entire treatment tool is replaced according to the content of treatment, is used. This will be described using an assumed example.

  The root canal treatment hand tool 110 includes a blade portion 112, a shank portion 114, and a grip portion 116. The blade portion 112 is formed in a needle shape so as to be inserted into the root canal, and a spiral blade is formed on the outer periphery to cut the inside of the root canal. This blade part 112 is used as an action part that exerts a cutting action on the tooth. The holding part 116 is formed in a large-diameter bar-like part that can be held by a finger. The shank part 114 is a rod-like part that is integrally formed with the base end part of the blade part 112 and connects the grip part 116 and the blade part 112.

  The dental imaging device 130 includes an imaging module 132 and a support unit 150.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the imaging module 132. The imaging module 132 includes an imaging element 133 such as a CCD and a lens unit 135 as an optical member. Even when the imaging module 132 is attached to the root canal therapy hand tool 110 or the like, the root canal therapy hand is configured. The size is sufficiently small so as not to hinder treatment with the tool 110 or the like.

  More specifically, the imaging module 132 includes a substantially cylindrical (substantially cylindrical in this case) lens barrel part 134, a lens part 135 and an aperture 136 mounted in the lens barrel part 134, a substrate 137, and an imaging element. 133. Of course, the configuration and materials of the imaging module are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5, and for example, the aperture 136 may not be necessary.

  The lens barrel portion 134 is formed of a heat resistant resin and has a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends open. In addition, the lens barrel part 134 may be formed of metal. In particular, it is preferable to use a material having high steam resistance so that it can withstand autoclave sterilization.

  The diaphragm 136 is attached in one end of the lens barrel part 134, and the lens part 135 is attached in the lens barrel part 134 between the diaphragm 136 and the image sensor 133. The lens unit 135 forms an image on the imaging surface 133 a of the imaging element 133 while the outside light is stopped by the stop 136. The lens unit 135 may be configured by a plurality of lenses disposed along the imaging center axis X. Further, the positions of the lens unit 135 and the diaphragm 136 can be appropriately changed according to the respective optical characteristics. Further, when using an excitation light illuminating unit to be described later, an optical filter for blocking the excitation light reflected by the subject and extracting and imaging fluorescence may be provided, or the lens unit 135 has an optical filter characteristic. A thin film may be coated.

  The image sensor 133 is configured by a CCD or a CMOS, and an image sensor unit having an imaging surface 133a and a drive circuit for the sensor unit are integrated. This integrated form is preferably sealed with a resin or the like. The image pickup device 133 is mounted and fixed on one main surface of the substrate 137 in a posture in which the image pickup surface 133a faces in the direction in which the one main surface faces. Then, the substrate 137 is placed at the other end opening of the lens barrel portion 134 so that the imaging element 133 is positioned at the other end opening portion of the lens barrel portion 134 with the posture where the imaging surface 133a is directed to the one end opening of the lens barrel portion 134. Installed.

  In the imaging module 132, the imaging element 133, in particular, the part on the imaging surface 133a side of the imaging element 133 is covered with a lens barrel portion 134 that is a protective member formed of a heat resistant resin. Thereby, improvement of waterproofness and autoclave resistance is achieved.

  In the imaging module 132, an imaging range is set with an axis X passing through the approximate center of the imaging surface 133a of the imaging element 133 and being substantially perpendicular to the imaging surface 133a as the imaging center axis X.

  A cable 161 including a drive line and an image signal output line from the imaging element 133 of the imaging module 132 is drawn to the outside and connected to the imaging control unit 160 as in FIG.

  The support part 150 has a mounting part 152 and a connecting part 156.

  The attachment portion 152 is formed of an elastic member such as rubber or elastic resin, and has a press-fitting hole into which the shank portion 114 of the root canal treatment hand tool 110 can be press-fitted. Then, when the root canal treatment hand tool 110 is press-fitted into the press-fitting hole from the tip of the blade part 112 and pushed until the shank part 114 reaches the press-fitting hole part, the attachment part 152 is caused by the elastic restoring force of the attachment part 152. Is attached to the shank 114 of the root canal treatment hand tool 110. In other words, it can be said that the attachment portion 152 is elastically fitted to the shank portion 114.

  In this state, the position of the imaging module 132 can be changed around the shank portion 114 by rotating the attachment portion 152 around the shank portion 114. Furthermore, by pulling out the shank part 114 and the blade part 112 from the attachment part 152 in the above state, the attachment part 152 can be detached from the root canal treatment hand tool 110. In this manner, the attachment portion 152 can be attached to and detached from the root canal treatment hand tool 110 and the position of the imaging module 132 can be changed.

  In addition to the above, the attachment portion 152 may be configured to be attached by a sandwiching structure using a leaf spring or the like, a screw attachment structure, or the like.

  The connecting portion 156 is configured to support the imaging module 132 with respect to the attachment portion 152 so that the posture can be freely changed. Here, the imaging module 132 and the mounting portion 152 are rotatably connected by a shaft portion 156a such as a pin or a male screw, so that the imaging module 132 is supported to the mounting portion 152 so that the posture can be changed. .

  In addition to the above, the connecting portion 156 may have a configuration in which the posture can be changed using a ball joint structure, plastic deformation of metal, or the like.

  As described above, the imaging module 132 can be repositioned around the shank portion 114 by rotating the attachment portion 152 around the shank portion 114, and the imaging can be performed by changing the support posture of the connecting portion 156. The orientation of the module 132 can be changed, and the position and orientation of the imaging module 132 are adjusted as appropriate so that the imaging center axis X faces the distal end portion (action portion) of the blade portion 112.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the imaging module 132, the imaging control unit 160, and the display unit 170. In FIG. 6, general functions such as a power supply are not shown. Note that each block diagram described in the present embodiment can be similarly applied to embodiments described later, and the description thereof will be omitted unless particularly required in the embodiments described later.

  As shown in the figure, the imaging control unit 160 includes an image control unit 162, a control command unit 166, and an input unit 169. The imaging control unit 160 includes a power supply and a power switch (not shown), and operates by receiving power supply from the power supply in accordance with on / off of the power switch.

  The input unit 169 is configured to be able to accept an instruction from an operator or the like, and here is configured to be able to accept an instruction regarding imaging start and stop. As the input unit 169, in addition to a mechanical switch, any configuration that can receive an instruction from an operator or the like, such as a configuration that receives an instruction through a predetermined input screen, can be adopted. A signal corresponding to the instruction received by the input unit 169 is given to the control command unit 166.

  The control command unit 166 is configured by a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and executes the arithmetic processing according to a software program stored in advance, so that the image is output in accordance with a signal given from the input unit 169. The control unit 162 is controlled. Here, the control command unit 166 has functions as an image sensor drive command unit 166a and an image processing command unit 166b. When receiving an imaging start command through the input unit 169, the control command unit 166 gives a driving command from the imaging element driving command unit 166a to the imaging device driving unit 162a, and further from the image processing command unit 166b to the image processing circuit unit. An image processing command is given to 162b.

  The image control unit 162 includes an image sensor driving unit 162a and an image processing circuit unit 162b.

  The image sensor driving unit 162a includes a drive circuit for turning on / off driving of the image sensor 133, and outputs a drive signal in response to a drive command from the image sensor drive command unit 166a.

  The image processing circuit unit 162b is configured by an integrated circuit or the like that performs image processing, and performs A / D conversion on the image signal from the image sensor 133 in accordance with the image processing command from the image processing command unit 166b. Processing, image correction processing, and the like are performed, and the display unit 170 can output as an image signal that can be displayed.

  The image signal output from the image processing circuit unit 162b is supplied to the display unit 170, and the imaging target image is displayed on the display unit 170. Alternatively, the image signal output from the image processing circuit unit 162b may be stored as image data in a memory (not shown).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a captured image during root canal enlargement work or the like. According to the dental imaging device 130 shown in FIG. 4, the position and orientation of the imaging module 132 are adjusted so that the imaging center axis X faces the distal end portion of the blade portion 112, and thus acquired by the dental imaging device 130. The captured image is an image in which a state in which the distal end portion of the blade portion 112 is inserted into the root canal 512 is displayed. Such an image includes a range that is difficult to view directly inside the tooth 500 (particularly, a range in which the inside of the root canal 512 is viewed from directly above). The image inside the root canal 512 can be provided. As a result, the surgeon can perform various treatments such as root canal enlargement, root canal length measurement, and root canal washing while observing the inside of the root canal 512, the spinal cord 507, the root canal breakage, and perforation, which are usually difficult to see directly. It can be carried out and it becomes easy to carry out more appropriate treatment.

  In addition, when the entire root canal treatment hand tool 110 is replaced with another one according to the state of treatment, the dental imaging device 130 is removed from the used root canal treatment hand tool 110. Next, it is attached to the root canal treatment hand tool 110 to be used next, so that the imaging center axis X faces the tip of the blade portion 112 according to the shape size and the like of the root canal treatment hand tool 110. In addition, if the position and orientation of the imaging module 132 are adjusted, it is possible to obtain an image displaying a state in which the distal end portion of the blade portion 112 is inserted into the root canal 512 in the same manner as described above.

  For this reason, according to replacement | exchange etc. of the hand tool 110 for root canal treatment, the action part under the treatment can be imaged effectively.

  Further, the attachment portion 152 of the dental imaging device 130 is detachable from the root canal treatment hand tool 110, and one dental imaging device 130 is attached to a plurality of root canal treatment hand tools 110. The mounting part made of an elastic member and the imaging module can be rotatably connected so that the action part can be imaged according to the shape and the like of each hand tool 110 for root canal treatment while being selectively attached and used. The position and orientation of the imaging module 132 can be changed by the shaft portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the dental imaging device 130 for each of the plurality of root canal treatment hand tools 110. In other words, if there is at least one dental imaging device 130, it can be attached to a plurality of root canal treatment hand tools 110 in an interchangeable manner and imaging can be performed, so the cost required for the dental imaging device 130 can be reduced.

  Further, since the attachment portion 152 is configured to be attachable to the shank portion 114 at the proximal end portion of the blade portion 112 that is a treatment tool that acts on the treatment target site, the imaging module 132 is placed near the distal end portion of the blade portion 112. It can arrange | position and can image a treatment object site | part further enlarged.

  Further, since the attachment portion 152 is configured to be elastically fitted to the shank portion 114, the dental imaging device 130 is simply attached to and detached from the root canal treatment hand tool 110 using elastic force. be able to. Utilizing this elastic force, for example, a method of use such as temporarily changing the posture of the imaging device by deforming it is also possible.

  Various modifications will be described based on the above embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing an example in which a plurality of imaging modules 132 are attached to one attachment portion 152.

  That is, in the dental imaging apparatus 130B according to the present modification, a plurality (two in this case) of imaging modules 132 are attached to the attachment portion 152 so as to be located around the shank portion 114. Each imaging module 132 has the same configuration as that described above, and is attached to and supported by the mounting portion 152 via the connecting portion 156 similar to the above.

  And the front-end | tip part of the blade part 112 can be imaged from both sides on both sides of the blade part 112 and the shank part 114. FIG. Therefore, for example, even if an imaging obstacle exists in front of one imaging module 132, if there is no imaging obstacle in the imaging area of the other imaging module 132, an image captured by the other imaging module 132 By observing, treatment or the like can be performed without hindrance.

  The imaging module 132 may be provided in a large number, that is, three or more, around the shank portion 114 in an annular shape.

  FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an imaging control unit 160B applied to this modification. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the functional parts as in the block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the dental imaging apparatus 130B includes a plurality (two in this case) of imaging elements 133.

  The imaging control unit 160B mainly differs from the imaging control unit 160 in that the image control unit 162B further includes functions as an imaging element selection unit 162Bc and an output image selection unit 162Bd, and the control command unit 166B has an imaging element selection command. This further includes the functions of the unit 166Bc and the output image selection command unit 166Bd, and the input unit 169 is configured to accept an instruction to select one of the plurality of image sensors 133.

  The image sensor selection unit 162Bc of the image control unit 162B includes a selector circuit with one input and a plurality of (here, two) outputs, and one image sensor 133 according to a selection command from the image sensor selection unit 162Bc. And the drive signal from the image sensor driving unit 162a is output to the selected one image sensor 133.

  The output image selection unit 162Bd of the image control unit 162B is composed of a plurality (two in this case) of input and output selector circuits and the like, and one image is picked up in response to a selection command from the output image selection command unit 166Bd. The element 133 is selected, an input signal from the selected one image sensor 133 is selected, and the image signal is supplied to the image processing circuit unit 162b. The output image selection unit 162Bd and the image processing circuit unit 162b constitute an image selection output unit that selectively outputs image signals from the plurality of imaging elements 133.

  Further, the functions of the image sensor selection command unit 166Bc and the output image selection command unit 166Bd of the control command unit 166B are realized by, for example, processing of a microcomputer of the control command unit 166.

  Then, when an instruction to select one of the plurality of image sensors 133 is input through the input unit 169, the control command unit 166B sends the image sensor selection command unit 166Bc to the image sensor selection unit 162Bc according to the instruction. The selected image sensor 133 is specified and a selection command is given, the image sensor drive command unit 166a gives a drive command to the image sensor drive unit 162a, and the output image selection command unit 166Bd selects the output image selection unit 162Bd. The selected image pickup device 133 is specified and a selection command is given, and an image processing command is given from the image processing command unit 166b to the image processing circuit unit 162b.

  As a result, image pick-up by the selected image sensor 133 is performed, image processing from the selected image sensor 133 is appropriately performed, and the image signal is output to the display unit 170 and selected by the display unit 170. An image picked up by the image pickup element 133 is displayed. Therefore, a desired image among images that can be captured by the plurality of imaging elements 133 can be output and displayed on the display unit 170.

  Note that an image processing circuit unit may be provided for each of the plurality of imaging elements 133 so that images captured by the plurality of imaging elements 133 can be simultaneously displayed. This simultaneous display is effective when a two-monitor type head-mounted display device is employed as a monitor. Further, both images may be combined and displayed as one image. In this case, the surgeon gives an instruction to use any of the plurality of imaging elements 133 using the input unit, and the control instruction unit performs control to drive any of the plurality of imaging elements 133 based on the instruction. To do. In this way, each of the image signals obtained from the plurality of image sensors 133 is transmitted to a plurality of provided image processing circuit units, or is transmitted to and stored in a memory (not shown). According to the above configuration, a plurality of images obtained from each of the plurality of imaging elements 133 can be displayed on the display unit 170 simultaneously, selectively, or by combining both images into one image.

  FIG. 10 is a modification of the dental imaging system provided with a plurality of dental imaging devices 130 described in the above embodiment.

  That is, in this modification, a plurality (two in this case) of dental imaging devices 130 are attached to the shank portion 114 of the root canal treatment hand tool 110. The plurality of dental imaging devices 130 are attached to the shank portion 114 at two positions shifted in the longitudinal direction, and the imaging module 132 is located at different positions around the shank portion 114, here, around the shank portion 114. And it is located in the position which opposes on both sides of the said shank part 114. FIG. The distal end portion, which is the working portion of the blade portion 112, can be imaged from different directions by the imaging elements 133 of the respective dental imaging devices 130.

  Each of the plurality of dental imaging devices 130 is provided with a separate drive circuit and a separate image processing circuit unit, and is an aspect in which images captured by the plurality of dental imaging devices 130 are simultaneously displayed. Also good. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, a mode in which selective driving and image processing are performed on a plurality of dental imaging devices 130 to selectively display images captured by the plurality of dental imaging devices 130. Also good. Alternatively, an aspect in which both of these aspects are selectable, or an aspect in which a plurality of images are combined and displayed in one image may be used.

  According to this modification, a plurality of dental imaging devices 130 can image the distal end, which is the working portion of the blade 112, from a plurality of directions. In addition, there is an advantage that the number of dental imaging devices 130 attached to the root canal treatment hand tool 110 can be easily increased or decreased as necessary.

  In the present invention, by providing an illumination unit that provides light for imaging, a more convenient dental imaging device can be obtained. The illuminating unit can be provided in an appropriate part such as a mounting part, a connecting part, or a bent part among the constituent parts of the imaging device. In the following, as an example, the illuminating part is integrated with the imaging module. Will be explained. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing a modification of the imaging module 132C in which the illumination unit 140C is integrated, FIG. 11 is a front view of the imaging module 132C, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging module 132C.

  In this modification, a lens barrel part 134C corresponding to the lens barrel part 134 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape, and a total of four illumination parts 140C are arranged around the lens barrel part 134C. . The illuminating unit 140 </ b> C is configured by a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode or an electroluminescence element, and is attached at a position and posture capable of irradiating light toward the outside. Here, the illumination unit 140C is assumed to be a light source for normal illumination that emits visible light. The central axis of the irradiation direction by the illuminating unit 140C is preferably substantially parallel to the imaging center axis X, and the illuminating unit 140C is preferably disposed as close as possible to the imaging central axis X. As a mode of assembling the illuminating unit 140C into the lens barrel unit 134C, a mode in which the illuminating unit 140C is assembled into a recess formed in the lens barrel unit 134C may be used, or the illuminating unit 140C is insert-molded into the lens barrel unit 134C. An aspect may be sufficient. The illumination unit 140C is electrically connected to the substrate 137 via wiring in the lens barrel unit 134C, and power for illumination is supplied via the substrate and the wiring.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the dental imaging device 130C and the imaging control unit 160C when the imaging module 132C in which the illumination unit 140C is integrated is applied.

  This block diagram is different from the block diagram shown in FIG. 6 in that the imaging control unit 160C further includes an illumination control unit 142C having an illumination drive unit 143C, and the control command unit 166C functions as the illumination drive command unit 166Ce. It is a point to have.

  The function as the illumination drive command unit 166Ce is realized as a processing function by the control command unit 166C, for example. The illumination driving unit 143C includes a drive circuit for the illumination unit 140C and is connected to the illumination unit 140C via a cable or the like.

  Then, a drive command is given from the illumination drive command unit 166Ce to 143C at the timing when the image sensor 133 performs imaging. In response to this drive command, the illumination drive unit 143C outputs a drive signal for driving the illumination unit 140C, and the illumination unit 140C emits light. Of course, the illumination unit 140C may always emit light.

  Note that all of the plurality of illumination units 140C may emit light, or only a desired number of illumination units 140C may emit light.

  According to this modification, imaging by the imaging element 133 can be performed while illuminating a treatment site or the like in the root canal 512 where light is difficult to reach by the illumination unit 140C, and an image more suitable for treatment can be obtained. If the imaging region is changed by moving the root canal treatment hand tool 110, the illumination region also changes accordingly, that is, the relative positional relationship between the imaging region and the illumination region is maintained. Further, there is a degree of freedom in designing the illumination unit 140C to be incorporated in the imaging module 132C, and adjustment of the relative positional relationship between the imaging area and the illumination area is easy.

  Note that the illumination by the illuminating unit 140C can be used as illumination for direct visual recognition even when the imaging element 133 does not capture an image.

  Further, as the illuminating unit 140C, an illuminating unit for normal photographing and an excitation light illuminating unit for a fluorescent image for extracting an abnormal part may be provided. FIG. 14 is a block diagram according to this modification.

  The block diagram of FIG. 14 differs from the block diagram shown in FIG. 13 in that the dental imaging device 130D has an illumination unit 140D1 for normal imaging and an excitation light illumination unit 140D2 for fluorescent images from which anomalous parts are extracted. The illumination control unit 142D of the imaging control unit 160D has a first illumination drive unit 143D1 for the illumination unit 140D1 and a second illumination drive unit 143D2 for the excitation light illumination unit 140D2.

  The illumination unit 140D1 emits light in the visible light region, and is configured with a white diode or the like. The excitation light illumination unit 140D2 emits light having a wavelength of 405 nm, for example, and includes a light emitting diode or the like. When irradiated with light of such a wavelength, abnormalities such as tartar, plaque, and soft dentin emit red or orange fluorescence. By receiving this fluorescence, the fluorescence emitted by the abnormal part is visually extracted. The Thereby, the image from which the abnormal part is extracted can be captured by the image sensor 133. Note that when imaging the anomalous portion extracted by the excitation light illumination unit 140D2, it is preferable to provide a filter that cuts the excitation light in front of the imaging element 133, for example, a filter that cuts a wavelength component of 430 nm or less. This is because if the excitation light is not cut, all the wavelength regions are incident on the image sensor 133, and the fluorescent color of the excited abnormal part is buried in the excitation light component, making it difficult to recognize the abnormal part. The filter may be provided as a coating layer formed on the surface of the lens unit 135, or may be provided as a filter plate in front of the image sensor 133.

  Then, when the control instruction unit 166C receives an illumination instruction by one or both of the illumination unit 140D1 and the excitation light illumination unit 140D2 through the input unit 169, the control instruction unit 166C receives the first illumination drive unit 143D1 and the illumination instruction according to the instruction. An illumination drive command is given to one or both of the second illumination drive units 143D2. Thereby, one or both of the first illumination driving unit 143D1 and the second illumination driving unit 143D2 outputs a drive signal to the corresponding illumination unit 140D1 and excitation light illumination unit 140D2. Then, the illumination unit 140D1 and the excitation light illumination unit 140D2 emit light selectively or simultaneously.

  Thereby, it can image | photograph by irradiating the irradiation light according to the necessity of imaging | photography. In particular, the treatment can be performed while clearly observing the treatment target site by the fluorescence image by the excitation light illumination unit 140D2. The above is an example in which the illumination unit is integrated with the imaging module, but in the present invention, the configuration in which the illumination unit is integrated with the imaging module is not essential, for example, provided in the attachment unit, the coupling unit, or the bending unit, The above circuit configuration and excitation light emission function can also be used.

{Third embodiment}
A dental imaging device 230 according to a third embodiment will be described. In the following description of each embodiment, the same components as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a side view showing a dental imaging apparatus 230 according to the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a hand scaler is assumed as a dental treatment tool, which is a type in which the entire treatment tool is replaced according to the treatment content.

  The hand scaler 210 has a configuration in which blade portions 214 and 216 are connected to both ends of a rod-shaped handle portion 211 via neck portions 212 (also referred to as shanks). The blade portions 214 and 216 are portions used for removal of deposits on the tooth surface. The neck portion 212 is bent into a predetermined shape in order to adapt to each portion of the tooth surface, which is a treatment target site of the blade portions 214 and 216, or to facilitate the operability thereof. The blade portions 214 and 216 and the neck portion 212 are prepared in various shapes having different bending angles, lengths, and the like according to the treatment content, the treatment target site, and the like. That is, the hand scaler 210 is a dental treatment tool in which a plurality of types of blade parts 214, 216 and neck part 212 with different ones are prepared and exchanged according to the treatment contents. In some cases, only one of the handle portions 211 is provided with a blade portion 214 (or 216).

  The dental imaging device 230 is detachably attached to the hand scaler 210 and includes an imaging module 132 and a support portion 250.

  As the imaging module 132, the thing similar to what was demonstrated in the said 2nd Embodiment can be used. In addition, the image captured by the imaging module 132 is displayed on the display unit through the same processing as in the second embodiment.

  The support part 250 has a mounting part 252 and a connecting part 256.

  The attachment portion 252 is configured to be detachably attachable to the handle portion 211 of the hand scaler 210, and is configured to be able to attach and support the imaging module 132 to the hand scaler 210. As the mounting portion 252, a configuration in which an elastic member such as rubber or elastic resin is used to elastically fit and fix the handle portion 211, a mounting configuration using a screw or the like, a fitting and fixing structure using a resin or the like, Various mounting structures can be used. In particular, the attachment portion 252 is configured to be elastically fitted and fixed to the handle portion 211 using an elastic member such as rubber or elastic resin, so that the dental imaging device 230 can be handed using the elastic force. It can be easily attached to and detached from the scaler 210.

  The attachment portion 252 is preferably configured so that the attachment position with respect to the handle portion 211 can be changed along the longitudinal direction of the handle portion 211. Thereby, the position of the imaging module 132 with respect to the blade portions 214 and 216 can be changed and adjusted. Moreover, it is preferable that the attachment part 252 can rotate around the handle part 211 and can change its posture. Thereby, the position of the imaging module 132 can be changed and adjusted around the blade portions 214 and 216. Usually, if the attachment portion 252 is configured to be elastically fitted and fixed to the handle portion 211 using an elastic member, the above configuration can be realized.

  The connecting portion 256 is interposed between the attachment portion 252 and the imaging module 132, and supports the imaging module 132 with respect to the attachment portion 252 so that the position and orientation can be changed.

  That is, the connecting portion 256 is formed as a long member that can be bent by a finger operation, and its base end portion is fixed to the mounting portion 252 and the other end portion supports the imaging module 132. Yes.

  More specifically, the connecting portion 256 has a plurality of (in this case, two) arms 256a, a bent portion 256b is provided between each arm 256a, and the distal end side arm 256a, the imaging module 132, and the like. Between the two, a bent portion 256c is provided. Each of the bent portions 256b and 256c is configured to be bent by a connecting structure through a shaft portion such as a pin or a male screw, or a ball joint structure. The bent portions 256b and 256c can be bent between the arms 256a and the imaging module 132. It can be bent between. The bendable portion may exist between the arm 256 a and the attachment portion 252. Moreover, the whole connection part 256 may be comprised so that bending is possible using the plastic deformation etc. of a metal. However, in order to ensure the degree of freedom of positioning of the imaging module 132, it is preferable that the entire connecting portion 256 can be bent at at least two locations. In order to obtain a stable image, the bent portions 256b and 256c are preferably configured to be bendable and maintain a certain bent form after being bent.

  Then, while adjusting the position and orientation of the attachment portion 252, the imaging direction by the imaging module 132 acts on the treatment target portion of the blade portion 214 by bending the main coupling portion 256 into an appropriate shape by a finger operation or the like. The position and posture of the imaging module 132 can be adjusted as appropriate so as to face the portion (usually the tip portion of the blade portion 214).

  According to this embodiment, the imaging module 132 can be attached to and detached from the hand scaler 210 via the attachment portion 252. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide the dental imaging device 230 for each of the various hand scalers 210, and the dental imaging device 230 can be selectively attached to the plurality of hand scalers 210 and used. The cost required for the device 230 can be reduced.

  Further, since the position and orientation of the imaging module 132 can be adjusted and changed by the attachment portion 252 and the connecting portion 256, the shapes of the blade portions 214 and 216 and the neck portion 212 of the attached hand scaler 210, etc. Accordingly, by changing the position and orientation of the imaging module 132, the part of the blade 214 (or 216) where the imaging direction by the imaging module 132 acts on the treatment target site (usually the tips of the blades 214 and 216). By positioning the imaging module 132 in the vicinity of the blade portion 214 (or 216), it is possible to face the tooth surface or periodontal pocket. It is possible to appropriately image a treatment site including the like. As a result, the operator can perform treatment such as removal of calculus and plaque while confirming the positional relationship between the blade 214 and the calculus and plaque on the tooth surface by viewing the image. Contribute to proper treatment.

  In addition, by deforming the connecting portion 256 with fingers, the position and posture of the imaging module 132 can be easily changed while confirming an image displayed on the display portion in some cases even during treatment. be able to.

  FIG. 16 is a side view showing a modification according to this embodiment. In this modification, a hand scaler 210 similar to the above is assumed as a dental treatment tool. The dental imaging device 230B has the same configuration as the dental imaging device 130 described in the second embodiment. However, the attachment portion 252B is formed with a press-fitting hole into which the neck portion 212 of the hand scaler 210 can be press-fitted.

  The dental imaging device 230 is attached to the hand scaler 210 in a state of being fitted on the neck portion 212. The position and orientation of the imaging module 132 are adjusted so that the imaging direction of the imaging module 132 faces the tip of the blade 214.

  The attachment position of the dental imaging device 230B may be a desired position of the neck 212. 17 to 19 show a state in which the dental imaging device 230B is attached to various positions of the neck portion 212. FIG. Here, the neck portion 212 is divided by a bent portion, and sequentially from the blade portion 214 toward the handle portion 211, a first neck portion 212a, a second neck portion 212b, and a third neck portion 213b. FIG. 17 shows a case where the dental imaging device 230B is attached to the first neck 212a. In this case, the dental imaging device 230B and the tip of the blade 214 are close to each other, and the imaging module 132 of the dental imaging device 230B can directly image the tip of the blade 214. For this reason, it is suitable for delicate treatment using the tip of the blade 214. 18 shows a case where the dental imaging device 230B is attached to the second neck portion 212b, and FIG. 19 shows a case where the dental imaging device 230B is attached to the third neck portion 212c. In the case shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the imaging module 132 of the dental imaging device 230 </ b> B images the tip of the blade 214 from a position slightly away from the tip of the blade 214. For this reason, a relatively wide range around the tip of the blade 214 is imaged, which is suitable for scaling in a relatively wide range such as the tooth neck. 17 to 19, the attachment position of the dental imaging device 230B is changed, and the angle of the attachment portion 252B with respect to the main shaft is changed. This change can be regarded as one of the features of the invention of the present application “change in posture of the attachment portion relative to the dental treatment tool”.

{Fourth embodiment}
A dental imaging apparatus 330 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 20 is a side view showing a dental imaging apparatus 330 according to the fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, a dental treatment tool having a main body 312 and a treatment tool 316 that is detachably attached to the main body as a dental treatment tool, more specifically, an external driving force such as an ultrasonic scaler. An example of a dental treatment tool that is obtained and vibrates the tool will be described.

  The ultrasonic scaler 310 includes a main body 312 and a treatment tool 316.

  The main body 312 is formed in a rod shape with a thickness that can be gripped by fingers, and is a portion used as a handle that is gripped by fingers during treatment. A power supply line for supplying power from an external vibration controller is connected to the main body 312, and a vibration driving unit 313 that receives the power supply and generates vibration at a desired frequency is incorporated in the main body 312. ing. A tool holder 314 for detachably attaching the treatment tool 316 is attached to the distal end portion of the main body 312.

  The treatment tool 316 is a part that directly acts on the tooth to be treated and is used for removing plaque, tartar, etc. The treatment tool 316 shown in FIG. 20 is a treatment also called a scaler chip. It is a tool. A plurality of shapes are prepared as the treatment tool 316, and the treatment tool 316 is used in various shapes depending on the treatment contents.

  The treatment tool 316 is detachably attached to the main body 312 via the tool holder 314. The vibration generated by the vibration driving unit 313 is transmitted to the treatment tool 316 via the tool holder 314 as an action force for dental treatment (here, an action force for easily removing plaque or tartar). . The treatment tool 316 that has received the vibration causes the vibration to act on the tooth surface, periodontal pocket, and the like, which are treatment target parts.

  Here, an example of the ultrasonic scaler 310 will be described, but the present invention can be similarly applied to an air scaler that generates vibration by receiving air supply from a hose.

  The dental imaging device 330 has substantially the same configuration as the dental imaging device 230 described in the third embodiment. However, the attachment portion 352 of the support portion 350 is configured to be attachable to the main body portion 312. That is, the attachment portion 352 has an annular shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the main body portion 312 and is configured to be fitted onto the main body portion 312 using an elastic member such as rubber or elastic resin. . The attachment portion 352 is preferably attached to the main body portion 312 so as to be detachable, but in this example, it is not necessary to be detachable. That is, the attachment portion 352 does not need to be detachably attached to the main body portion 312 and may be attached to the main body portion 312 in a configuration that cannot be easily removed by an adhesive or a fitting structure.

  The dental imaging device 330 may be attached to a desired position of the main body 312 and may be attached to any position of the front end side, the intermediate portion, and the rear end portion.

  The other configuration of the dental imaging device 330 is the same as that of the dental imaging device 230 described in the third embodiment.

  Then, by bending the connecting portion 256 of the dental imaging device 330 into an appropriate shape by operating a finger or the like, a portion in which the imaging direction by the imaging module 132 acts on the treatment target portion of the treatment tool 316 (usually the treatment tool 316). The position and orientation of the imaging module 132 can be adjusted as appropriate so as to face the front end portion.

  In addition, when the treatment tool 316 is exchanged elsewhere, the position of the distal end portion of the treatment tool 316 varies depending on the shape of the treatment tool 316, the direction in which the treatment tool 316 is attached, and the like. Therefore, the imaging module 330 is again bent and adjusted to an appropriate shape by operating a finger or the like so that the imaging module 132 faces the distal end of the treatment tool 316 whose imaging direction has been exchanged. The position and posture of 132 can be readjusted.

  According to the present embodiment, since the dental imaging device 330 is attached to the main body portion 312, it is difficult for vibration, which is an action force for dental treatment, to be transmitted to the imaging module 132. Therefore, a good captured image can be expected, and deterioration due to vibration of the imaging module 132 can be suppressed.

  When the treatment tool 316 is replaced, the position and posture of the imaging module 132 are flexibly changed while the dental imaging device 330 remains attached to the main body 312, and the distal end portion of the treatment tool 316 is moved. Imaging can be performed.

  In addition, the connecting portion 256 can be easily deformed by a finger operation, and the position or posture of the imaging module 132 can be easily changed even during the treatment.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a modification according to this embodiment. The block diagram according to this modification is different from the block diagram shown in FIG. 6 in that the imaging control unit 360B includes a transmission circuit unit 363B and a reception circuit unit 370Ba is provided in front of the display unit 370B. It is.

  The transmission circuit unit 363B includes a modulation circuit, an amplification circuit, and the like, and is configured to be able to modulate and amplify the image signal output from the image processing circuit unit 162b and transmit it as a wireless signal.

  Note that the imaging control unit 360B is preferably downsized and incorporated in the main body 312.

  The reception circuit unit 370Ba is configured by a demodulation circuit, an amplification circuit, and the like, and is configured to demodulate and amplify the radio signal transmitted from the transmission circuit unit 363B and output it as an image signal to the display unit 370B. Yes.

  As a wireless method between the transmission circuit unit 363B and the reception circuit unit 370Ba, various wireless methods such as Bluetooth can be adopted.

  According to this modification, the transmission path for image signal output from the ultrasonic scaler 310 can be wireless, so that the number of wires drawn from the ultrasonic scaler 310 can be reduced, and the ultrasonic scaler 310 can be handled. It is possible to improve the performance.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the dental imaging device 330 is attached to the main body 312 that is shared by the various treatment tools 316 has been described.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 22, an example in which the dental imaging device 330 </ b> C is attached so as to be externally fitted to the tool holder 314 is shown. The dental imaging apparatus 330C has the same configuration as the dental imaging apparatus 330 except that the attachment portion 352C is configured to be externally fitted to the tool holder 314.

  According to this modification, when only the treatment tool 316 is replaced while the tool holder 314 is attached to the main body 312, the position of the imaging module 132 and the dental imaging device 330 </ b> C remain attached to the tool holder 314. The posture can be changed flexibly so that the distal end portion of the treatment tool 316 can be imaged.

  Moreover, in the example shown in FIG.23 and FIG.24, the case where the scaler chip | tip for tartar removal is assumed as treatment tool 316D is shown.

  The dental imaging apparatus 330D is the same as the dental imaging apparatus 330 except that the mounting portion 352D is configured to be fitted on the treatment tool 316D or the tool holder 314D attached to the ultrasonic scaler 310D. It is configured.

  FIG. 23 shows an example in which the dental imaging device 330D is attached to the tool holder 314D. In this case, since the imaging module 132 is relatively far from the distal end portion of the treatment tool 316, a relatively wide range around the distal end portion of the treatment tool 316D can be imaged, which is suitable for scaling in a relatively wide range such as a tooth neck portion.

  FIG. 24 shows an example in which the dental imaging device 330D is attached in front of the distal end portion of the treatment tool 316D. In this case, it is necessary to replace the dental imaging device 330D in accordance with the replacement of the treatment tool 316D. According to this modification, since the imaging module 132 can be positioned near the distal end portion of the treatment tool 316D, the distal end portion of the treatment tool 316D can be further magnified and imaged.

{Fifth embodiment}
In the fourth embodiment, in particular, the dental imaging device 330, 330C is attached to the main body 312 or the tool holder 314, and the treatment tool 316 is detachably attached to one dental treatment instrument as a whole. As an example that can be easily grasped as one device, a dental imaging device 430 and a dental treatment instrument device 420 according to the fifth embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of an instrument device for dental treatment 420 according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a main part of the instrument device for dental treatment 420 according to the fifth embodiment.

  The dental treatment instrument device 420 includes a dental treatment tool 410 and a dental imaging device 430.

  The dental treatment tool 410 has a main body portion 412 and a treatment tool 416.

  The main body portion 412 is formed in a rod shape with a thickness that can be gripped by fingers, and is a portion that is used as a handle that is gripped by fingers during treatment. As in the fourth embodiment, the main body 412 includes a vibration driving unit 413 that receives a power supply from the outside or receives an air pressure from the outside to generate a vibration having a desired frequency. Further, an attachment portion 414 for detachably attaching the treatment tool 416 is provided at the distal end portion of the main body portion 412. Here, the mounting portion 414 is formed in a screw hole into which the proximal end portion of the treatment tool 416 can be screwed.

  In addition, a plurality of (eight in this case) positioning holes 412h are formed at substantially equal intervals around the mounting portion 414 on the distal end surface of the main body portion 412.

  Similar to the treatment tool 316 in the fourth embodiment, the treatment tool 416 is a portion that directly acts on the tooth to be treated and is used for removing plaque or tartar. A screw groove that can be screwed onto the mounting portion 414 is formed at the base end portion of the treatment tool 416. By screwing the base end portion of the treatment tool 416 into the mounting portion 414, the treatment tool 416 is a main body. The unit 412 is detachably attached. Of course, this treatment tool 416 is also prepared in a plurality of shapes, and can be used by replacing them with various shapes according to the treatment contents.

  In a state where the treatment tool 416 is attached to the main body 412, the vibration by the vibration driving unit 413 is transmitted to the treatment tool 416 as an action force for dental treatment. The treatment tool 416 that has received the vibration causes the vibration to act on the treatment target site.

  The dental imaging device 430 includes an imaging module 132 and a support unit 450.

  As the imaging module 132, the thing similar to what was demonstrated in the said 2nd Embodiment can be used.

  The support portion 450 is formed in a short cylindrical shape that can be attached to one end portion of the main body portion 412. At least one positioning pin 453 that can be fitted in the positioning hole 412h is formed on one surface of the support portion 450 that should face the main body portion 412 so as to protrude. And the support part 450 is comprised so that it may attach to the one end part of the main-body part 412 by press-fitting the positioning pin 453 to the desired positioning hole 412h. Further, by changing the positioning hole 412h into which the positioning pin 453 is press-fitted, the rotational position of the support portion 450 relative to the main body portion 412 can be changed. That is, the portion of the main body portion 412 on the side where the positioning pin 453 protrudes is used as an attachment portion 452 attached to the main body portion 412 so that the rotational position can be changed.

  In addition, the imaging module 132 is embedded in the other surface of the support portion 450. Therefore, the imaging module 132 is supported around the treatment tool 416 so that the position of the imaging module 132 can be changed by changing the rotational position of the support portion 450 relative to the main body portion 412.

  Further, an insertion hole 450h through which the base end portion of the treatment tool 416 can be inserted is formed in the support portion 450 along the center thereof, and the base end portion of the treatment tool 416 passes through the insertion hole 450h and the mounting portion 414. It is installed by screwing on.

  According to the present embodiment, when the position of the distal end portion of the treatment tool 416 varies around the central axis of the main body portion 412 by replacing and attaching the treatment tool 416 or the like, the imaging direction of the imaging module 132 is adjusted according to the position. The dental imaging device 430 is appropriately rotated so as to face the distal end portion of the tool 416, and the positioning pin 453 is press-fitted into the positioning hole 412h, so that the distal end portion of the treatment tool 416 can be adjusted to be imaged. . Therefore, the position or posture of the imaging module 132 can be changed so that the distal end portion that is the working portion of the treatment tool 416 can be imaged in accordance with the exchange of the treatment tool 416 or the like.

  In addition, since the imaging module 132 is attached to the main body portion 412 via the support portion 450, vibration that is an action force for dental treatment is not easily transmitted to the imaging module 132. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of positioning pins made of a conductive member, it is possible to provide a power supply path to the imaging module 132 and the illumination unit built in the imaging module.

  In the above embodiment, the support portion 450 can be attached to the main body portion 412 by changing the rotational position around the treatment tool 416 by press-fitting the positioning pin 453 into the desired positioning hole 412h. The structure which attaches the support part 450 to the main-body part 412 is not restricted to the said example. The support part may be configured to be attached to the main body part by other fitting structure, screwing structure, or the like. In this case, a structure in which a plurality of attachment structures are provided in the main body portion, and the attachment portion is attached to a desired attachment structure portion, whereby the position or posture of the attachment portion may be changed.

  In short, any configuration may be used as long as at least one of the position and orientation of the imaging module 132 can be changed according to the mounting position and mounting state of the support section with respect to the main body section.

{Modifications}
Although the embodiment has been described above, the above is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment.

  For example, the dental treatment tool is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, as a mode in which the whole is exchanged according to the treatment contents, in addition to the above-mentioned root canal treatment file or reamer, or hand scaler (including gray secretet)), an extract for removing the touching part A dental knife or the like integrated with a cabbage or a handle is assumed. In addition, for example, according to the treatment content, the treatment tool is used by replacing the main body with the ultrasonic scaler, the air scaler, and the end of the handle-like main body having no driving unit. Removable attachments such as files (so-called end holders), dental syringes that perform water injection, air injection, or spraying (three-way syringes or six-way syringes with a cold temperature switching function, etc.) This may be applied to the case where the nozzle is replaced in what is called.

  Further, when the dental imaging device is detachably attached to the dental treatment tool, even if the dental imaging device is used by being replaced by the same kind of dental treatment tool, it is used by being replaced by a different kind of dental treatment tool. It may be a thing. For example, the hand scaler, the excavator, the dental knife, the end holder and the like have the same pattern thickness to some extent, so that the dental imaging device may be used by changing between these dental treatment tools.

  In addition, the tip portion of each handle of an ultrasonic scaler and an air scaler, and a dental syringe that performs water injection, air injection, or spraying (referred to as a three-way syringe or a six-way syringe that includes a cold temperature switching function) Since the thickness is the same to some extent, similarly, the dental imaging device may be used by changing between these dental treatment tools.

  Moreover, each structure demonstrated by said each embodiment and each modification can be suitably combined unless it mutually contradicts.

  For example, as described in the second embodiment, the configuration in which the illumination unit 140C or the illumination unit 140D1 for normal imaging and the excitation light illumination unit 140D2 for fluorescence image are incorporated in the imaging module 132 is also applicable to other embodiments. Applicable.

  In addition, as described in the second embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of imaging modules are attached to one support portion, or a configuration in which a plurality of dental imaging devices are attached to one dental treatment tool to form a dental imaging system is provided. The present invention can also be applied to other embodiments. For example, the connection part 256 may be provided in the support part 250 in the third embodiment so as to extend in a plurality of directions, and the imaging module 132 may be attached to each tip part.

  Further, as described in the modification according to the fourth embodiment, a transmission circuit unit that wirelessly transmits an image signal captured by the imaging element is provided, and an image based on the image signal transmitted by the wireless signal is displayed on the display unit side. The configuration for receiving and displaying can also be applied to other embodiments.

  Further, the imaging module 132 may contaminate the front optical system (lens or the like) with cutting powder or blood during treatment. Therefore, it is preferable to incorporate a cleaning mechanism using air or water into the imaging module 132. When the dental imaging device of the present invention is directly attached to the treatment tool, it may be difficult to obtain a good image depending on the amplitude of vibration of the treatment tool. However, even in such a case, there is an advantage that the imaging module or the illumination unit built in the imaging module can be brought close to the treatment target site as much as possible. Therefore, for example, until the treatment tool is driven, the action part of the treatment tool is positioned at the treatment target site while confirming the image, and after the positioning is completed and the drive is started, the visual sense or the sense of fingers, etc. It is also possible to adopt a method of performing treatment based on the above.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a human tooth. It is explanatory drawing which shows the dental imaging device which concerns on the basic concept of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the usage example of 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the dental imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an imaging module. It is a block diagram of an imaging module, an imaging control unit, and a display part. It is a figure which shows the example of a captured image in root canal expansion work etc. It is a figure which shows the modification of the dental imaging device which has a some imaging module. It is a block diagram concerning a modification in the case of having a plurality of imaging modules. It is a figure which shows the modification concerning a dental imaging system provided with two or more dental imaging devices. It is a front view which shows the modification which concerns on the imaging module which integrated the light emission part for illumination. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification concerning the imaging module which integrated the light emission part for illumination. It is a block diagram which concerns on the modification at the time of providing the light emission part for illumination. It is a block diagram which concerns on the modification at the time of providing the illumination part for normal imaging | photography, and the excitation light illumination part for fluorescent images. It is a side view which shows the dental imaging device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the modification concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an attachment position of the dental imaging device in the modification same as the above. It is a figure which shows the example of an attachment position of the dental imaging device in the modification same as the above. It is a figure which shows the example of an attachment position of the dental imaging device in the modification same as the above. It is a side view which shows the dental imaging device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram concerning the modification at the time of becoming wireless. It is a side view which shows the modification of 4th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the other modification of 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an attachment position of the dental imaging device in the modification same as the above. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view which shows the instrument apparatus for dental treatment which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the instrument apparatus for dental treatment same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Dental treatment tool 11 Main-body part 12A, 12B Tool 30,130,130B, 130C, 130D, 230,230B, 330,330C, 330D, 430 Dental imaging device 32,132,132C Imaging module 50,150,250,350 , 450 Support part 52, 152, 252, 252B, 352, 352C, 452 Attachment part 56, 156, 256 Connection part 60, 160, 160B, 160C, 160D, 360B Imaging control unit 70, 170, 370B Display part 110 Root canal Hand tool for treatment 112 Blade portion 133 Imaging device 134, 134C Lens barrel portion 140C Illumination portion 140D1 Illumination portion 140D2 Excitation light illumination portion 162 Image control portion 162b Image processing circuit portion 162Bd Output image selection portion 210 Hand scaler 211 Handle portion 214, 16 Blade part 310 Ultrasonic scaler 312 Main body part 313 Vibration drive part 314, 314D Tool holder 316, 316D Treatment tool 363B Transmission circuit part 370Ba Reception circuit part 410 Dental treatment tool 412 Main body part 412h Positioning hole 413 Vibration drive part 414 Attachment part 416 Treatment tool 420 Instrument device for dental treatment 453 Positioning pin 500 Teeth

Claims (18)

A dental imaging device attached to a dental treatment tool,
An imaging module having at least an imaging element and an optical member;
A support portion that can be attached to a dental treatment tool, and supports the imaging module such that at least one of a position and a posture is changeable;
A dental imaging apparatus comprising: The dental imaging device according to claim 1,
The attachment part is a dental imaging apparatus configured to be detachably attached to a dental treatment tool. The dental imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
The mounting part is a dental imaging device configured to be capable of changing at least one of a position and a posture with respect to a dental treatment tool. The dental imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The dental imaging apparatus, wherein the support part includes a connecting part that supports the imaging module such that at least one of a position and a posture thereof is freely changeable with respect to the attachment part. The dental imaging device according to claim 4,
The said connection part is a dental imaging device formed in the elongate member which can be bent by operation of fingers. The dental imaging device according to claim 1,
The mounting portion has a main body portion having a drive unit for generating an acting force for dental treatment, and is detachably attached to the main body portion and receives an acting force for dental treatment from the drive unit and acts on a treatment target site. When attached to a dental treatment tool having a treatment tool to be configured, it is configured to be attachable to the body portion of the dental treatment tool,
The said support part is a dental imaging device which has a connection part which supports the said imaging module with respect to the said dental treatment tool so that at least one of a position and a posture can be changed freely. The dental imaging device according to claim 1,
The mounting portion has a main body portion having a drive unit for generating an acting force for dental treatment, and is detachably attached to the main body portion and receives an acting force for dental treatment from the drive unit and acts on a treatment target site. A dental imaging apparatus configured to be capable of changing at least one of a position and a posture of the main body of the dental treatment tool when the device is attached to a dental treatment tool having a treatment tool. The dental imaging device according to claim 1,
The dental imaging apparatus configured to be detachably attachable to the treatment tool of the dental treatment tool when the attachment portion is attached to a dental treatment tool having a treatment tool acting on a treatment target site. The dental imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The attachment part is a dental imaging device configured to be elastically fitted to the dental treatment tool. The dental imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A dental imaging apparatus in which a light emitting unit for illumination is integrated with the imaging module. The dental imaging device according to claim 10,
The illumination light emitting unit is a dental imaging apparatus having an illumination unit for normal imaging and an excitation light illumination unit for a fluorescent image for extracting an abnormal part. The dental imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A dental imaging apparatus, wherein at least a part of the imaging element or at least a part of the imaging module is covered with a protective member formed of a heat resistant resin. The dental imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A dental imaging apparatus further comprising a wireless transmission circuit unit that wirelessly transmits an image signal imaged by the imaging element. The dental imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
A dental imaging apparatus comprising a plurality of the imaging modules. The dental imaging device according to claim 14, wherein
An image selection output unit that selectively outputs an image signal from each of the imaging elements of the plurality of imaging modules;
A dental imaging apparatus further comprising:   A dental imaging system comprising a plurality of dental imaging devices according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The dental imaging system according to claim 16, wherein
An image selection output unit that selectively outputs an image signal from each imaging element of the plurality of dental imaging devices;
A dental imaging system further comprising: Dental treatment tools,
A dental imaging device having an imaging module;
An instrument device for dental treatment comprising:
The dental treatment tool includes a main body having a drive unit that generates an action force for dental treatment, and is detachably attached to the main body unit and receives an action force for dental treatment from the drive unit to be treated. A dental treatment tool having a treatment tool to act,
The imaging module has at least an imaging element and an optical member,
The dental treatment imaging apparatus includes a mounting portion that is attached to the main body so that at least one of position and posture can be changed, and supports the imaging module so that at least one of position and posture can be changed. An instrument device for dental treatment, comprising:

Images