DE3925082C1 - Video installation for dental records - has video camera for mouthpiece supplying VDU and hard copy unit or printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The video instalation takes pictures in the mouth of a patient with the aid of a mouthpiece inserted into the oral cavity. The mouthpiece receives the light rays reflected and passes them to an electronic camera (7). The mouthpiece takes a number of different forms (1, 2, 3), one being suitable for taking X-ray pictures, and all these have no electronic parts. The video camera used is constructed so that it can operate with the different mouthpieces and can take pictures using ordinary light, infrared light or X-rays. The equipment includes a VDU (9) and a unit providing a hardcopy or a printer (10), as well as a video recorder (11) and computer. ' USE/ADVANTAGE - Convenient and accurate installation for modern dental care.

Description

The invention relates to a dental video system for recordings in the mouth of a patient, with a Mouthpiece that is inserted into the patient's mouth is set and that of the object under consideration absorbs incoming radiation and with an electro African image sensor on the electronic Image sensor an image of the object under consideration is generated and in which the mouthpiece of the electro African image sensor is detachable and no electro contains African components.

In dental practice it is known to Oral cavity observation next to or instead of the otherwise usual hand mirror also a correspondingly small one Use video camera. Such video cameras for the dental field are for example in the US PS 47 27 416.

Systems of this type have the advantage that the Camera captured images on a screen beo can be viewed. The patient can use the Screen details the condition of his teeth be cleared up and treatment can be done with him and can also be precisely coordinated with assistants. At the same time, with the various options a documentary about the archiving of the captured images mentation of treatment to be built as Reference for further treatment, for recon structure of the teeth, towards the health insurance companies in the event of patient recourse claims, but also very much in the training of dentists can be valuable and not in this form was available.

If the camera e.g. attached to a tripod, treatment can finally be monitored by  Screen instead of observing the mouth or the mirror be made. In contrast to the mirror, the screen delivers a right-sided picture. This method can be used very precisely and the doctor can adopt a natural working posture. Soon the patient can also follow the treatment at an early stage.

The system consists at least of the camera itself with its electronics tronics, from a video processor and from a screen. You can do this Additional modules occur, e.g. Hardcopy unit for creating Instant photos, printers, video recorders, personal computers and programs for storing and managing the captured images.

The heart of the camera is an electronic image sensor, the bright one A large number of light points is sensitive and in the smallest space can distinguish. An optic creates an image of the on its surface considered object. The impulses that come from this building block are processed in processing electronics and sent to the video pro processor passed on.

Such cameras are already known in the form from DE 38 08 011 A1, that between the object under consideration and the electronic image a removable light guide is arranged for the camera. The entry Opening of the light guide can then be in the form of a mouthpiece in the mouth be held while the electronic image sensor with its Processing electronics at the other end of the light guide in the handle the camera is housed.

The mouthpiece and thus the part of the system that is in contact with the patient comes, is in this case solvable and contains no electronic components. It  can therefore be designed so that it is strong Stresses from repeated sterilization withstands.

Small video cameras are already in the dental field has been used to record images created by X-rays arise on a fluorescent screen. The Conventional X-ray film is no longer necessary agile.

An assembly that, for example, a fluorescent screen, electronic image recorders and their evaluation electronics niken, is behind in the patient's mouth placed the tooth to be examined. The image recorders cover the fluorescent screen area and take the opposite part of the light screen on. The video processor must then Information from the evaluation electronics to a total assemble picture.

Systems of this type are so significant because they are with a fraction of that for film exposure necessary radiation dose can produce an image. At the same time, the images are immediate, without noticeable To consider development time. It's not just important in patients who are under the influence of pain with a limited duration of action, but that also offers interesting advantages in the workflow of the Doctor. Because of the very small radiation dose and the X-ray images can also be obtained from immediate availability Treatment levels are made at which one has been previously has waived such measures. Through digital Processing of the video image can provide additional information ions can be derived from the X-ray image. The digi tal processing options, but also the immediate Improvable availability of the image as well when observing the oral cavity with a video camera, the com communication with the patient. Just like standing there  here too the possibilities of electronic archiving and Documentation with their short access times is available.

Despite their great benefits and despite the achievable through them These systems find increases in effectiveness in health care however difficult to get into practice.

The main reason for this is the extraordinarily high cost that the necessary and also the additionally desired modules and programs cause such facilities.

The assemblies used so far for taking X-ray images are at the same time not satisfactory to the needs of the dental Application matched. They are stored in a housing from which one Cable leads to a second evaluation electronics or to a processor. The patient must put this housing in his mouth. Sealing this Housing and the breakthrough for the cable against germs from the mouth of the patient is difficult. At the same time, this assembly is also cannot be sterilized due to the electronics it contains.

In an attempt to solve the resulting hygienic problem In practice, these housings are surrounded with disposable covers before come into contact with the patient. The handling of such Disposable sleeves, as are known from EP 03 10 515 A1, however unsatisfactory. You have to, of course, during their manufacture, too during transport, during storage and especially during remain sterile when attached. This sometimes requires high Attention.

With the invention, the further spread of video systems in the dental field can be facilitated by  the host through widened application possibilities the overall system and the individual Components is increased. At the same time, X-ray Video systems better meet the hygienic requirements be coordinated in the dental field.

This goal is achieved in that the electro African image sensors to meet different needs Purposes for optional interaction with different detachable mouthpieces, those for receiving radiation with specific ones different physical characteristics are and for generating an image of the viewed Object on the image sensor each radiation a characteristic that can be registered by the image sensor submit.

This makes a universal dental camera part created that with the appropriate mouthpieces for the most diverse purposes can be used. An image sensor with its processing system is enough to use the appropriate mouth pieces such as different possible uses cover such as oral cavity examination visible light, detection of inflammation foci by detecting infrared radiation and x-rays real time images. Even room images with the help an auxiliary grid projection or with other techniques for optical impression taking are with the same image sensor and with the same basic structure stones of the processing plant possible. The approach area of application of the individual image sensor significantly expanded and the economy of Plant is increased accordingly.

The additional building blocks of a video system received by this measure, of course, also an expanded one Field of application. For example, that for X-ray  recording unit intended for digital recording editing of image information without additional costs also in Oral cavity viewing area with visible light find their entrance. The prospective cost So far, this has stood in the way of the benefit ratio.

Sterilizable mouthpieces that are lighter and uncomplicated are more easily handled than sterile disposable sleeves, this measure also finds its way into Areas of application in which they were previously unknown were, especially in the field of x-rays with video systems.

The fact that the visible x-ray image through a If the lens is projected onto the image sensor, this must be done Image no longer in original size from the image sensor can be recorded, but can be scaled down be taken. This saves the arrangement of several Imager modules next to each other and the final composition of the individual images of several Imagers to an overall picture.

Through a reflection between the screen and the image transducers become different advantages at the same time reached. The non-mirrored projection of the image the image sensor leads to a relatively thick Housing because the reduction of the image on the Imager a certain distance between imager necessary and fluorescent screen.

In contrast, a reflection improves the space nisse behind the fluorescent screen in the X-ray direction considerably. The beam path is then off to the side directs. At the same time, it can be designed so that cheaper lenses with a larger focal length can be chosen. At the same time, it improves Arrangement of the image sensor in the mouthpiece in relation to its connection with the mouthpiece. The surface of the  Image sensor can then namely perpendicular to the Verbin direction of the mouthpiece without additional Space in the x-ray direction is necessary would. The orientation of the image sensor on the Ele elements in the mouthpiece can thus be repeated more precisely.

By arranging an optical fiber between The screen and image sensor are the space ver Ratios in the mouthpiece and the spatial shape of the mouthpiece improved even further. The coupling point between Imager and mouthpiece can then be outside the The patient's mouth.

An embodiment of the invention is as follows explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a zahnärzt handy video system,

Fig. 2 shows a mouthpiece of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 shows another mouthpiece of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 shows another mouthpiece of Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 shows another shape of the mouthpiece of Fig. 4.

Fig. 1 shows the schematic structure of a dental video system according to the invention.

With ( 1 , 2 and 3 ) various mouthpieces are referred to, which are inserted into the patient's mouth and absorb the radiation coming from the object under consideration there. With ( 4 ) visible light is marked, which hits the mouthpiece ( 1 ). ( 5 ) denotes infrared radiation that strikes the mouthpiece ( 2 ), and (6) denotes X-ray radiation that strikes the mouthpiece ( 3 ). Mouthpiece ( 1 ) is set up to receive visible light. Mouthpiece ( 2 ) is set up to receive infrared radiation. Mouthpiece ( 3 ) is set up to receive X-rays.

The different mouthpieces ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) can each selectively and releasably interact with an electronic image pickup ( 7 ). They emit radiation of a characteristic of the image sensor ( 7 ) that can be registered on the electronic image sensor ( 7 ). This radiation generates an image of the object under consideration on the surface of the electronic image sensor ( 7 ) by means of optics (not shown).

The electronic image sensor ( 7 ) consists, for example, of a number of very small photocells, the condition of which is queried by evaluation electronics. In order to achieve short connection paths, the evaluation electronics are often integrated in the electronic image sensor ( 7 ). The evaluation electronics of the electronic image recorder ( 7 ) pass on the image information obtained to a video processor ( 8 ). The video processor ( 8 ) uses this image information to generate a visible image of the object under consideration, for example on a screen ( 9 ).

Instead of the screen ( 9 ) or in addition to the screen ( 9 ) can also a hard copy unit ( 10 ) for the creation of instant pictures, a video recorder ( 11 ) or, not shown, a printer, a computer with programs for storage and management of the images or for digital processing of the individual image, or other devices.

Fig. 2 shows the mouthpiece ( 1 ) in a schematic Dar position. The mouthpiece ( 1 ) is connected at its connection end ( 12 ) to the video processor ( 8 ), with its free end ( 13 ) it can be inserted into the patient's mouth. The mouthpiece ( 1 ) is set up to receive and transmit visible light. The mouthpiece ( 1 ) is therefore used in this case to illuminate the mouth. For this purpose, a light guide ( 15 ) is arranged in its housing ( 14 ) and is intended to transport light from a light source ( 16 ) from the connection end ( 12 ) of the mouthpiece ( 1 ) to the free end ( 13 ). The light source ( 16 ) is advantageously designed such that it can be removed from the mouthpiece ( 1 ). The mouthpiece ( 1 ) is then not unnecessarily loaded with components that cannot be sterilized. Other optical devices can also be provided in the beam path between the light source ( 16 ) and the free end ( 13 ) of the mouthpiece ( 1 ) in order to achieve the desired illumination of the oral cavity.

In addition to the light guide ( 15 ), a second light guide ( 17 ) is provided in the mouthpiece ( 1 ). The task of this second light guide ( 17 ) is to transport light radiation to generate an image from the free end ( 13 ) of the mouthpiece ( 1 ) to the connection end ( 12 ). A lens ( 18 ) as an example of an optical collecting device is arranged in this case in front of the inlet opening ( 19 ) of the light guide ( 17 ). With this arrangement, an image of an object viewed in the mouth of the patient is to be generated at the outlet opening ( 20 ) of the light guide ( 17 ).

In the image area in which the image generated by the lens ( 18 ) and the light guide ( 17 ) is created, the upper surface of an electronic image sensor ( 21 ) is arranged. In this case, the electronic image sensor ( 21 ) is combined with its evaluation electronics ( 22 ) to form a component ( 23 ). This component ( 23 ) is connected to the video processor ( 8 ) via a cable ( 24 ).

The component ( 23 ) is detachably mounted in the mouthpiece ( 1 ). For this purpose, guide surfaces ( 25 ) and stop surfaces ( 26 ) are formed in the mouthpiece ( 1 ), as well as a latching finger ( 27 ), which can engage in a latching recess ( 28 ) on the component ( 23 ) and the component ( 23 ) at its intended location holds.

The locking finger ( 27 ) is flexible, so that the component ( 23 ) with the electronic image sensor ( 21 ) can be removed from the mouthpiece ( 1 ). If the light source ( 16 ) is also designed to be removable, the remaining mouthpiece ( 1 ) can easily be designed in such a way that it contains no temperature-sensitive and moisture-sensitive parts. It can then be sterilized without damage.

Fig. 3 shows the mouthpiece ( 2 ) in a schematic Dar position. A light guide ( 30 ) is arranged in its housing ( 29 ) and its function corresponds to that of the second light guide ( 17 ) in the mouthpiece ( 1 ). In the area of the image generated by the lens ( 31 ) and by the light guide ( 30 ), in turn, the surface of an electronic image sensor ( 21 ) is arranged. The component ( 23 ) of evaluation electronics ( 22 ) and imager ( 21 ) is detachably held in the mouthpiece ( 2 ) as with the mouthpiece ( 1 ). The locking finger ( 33 ) arranged in the mouthpiece ( 2 ) and the guide surface ( 34 ) and the stop surface ( 35 ) serve for this purpose.

In contrast to the mouthpiece ( 1 ), the mouthpiece ( 2 ) is intended for the reception and transmission of infrared radiation. Therefore, a filter ( 36 ) is arranged in the mouthpiece ( 2 ), which only allows infrared radiation to pass through. In the schematic representation in Fig. 3 of this filter (31) is arranged at the output of the light guide (30). However, it can also be arranged at any other point between the free end ( 37 ) of the mouthpiece ( 2 ) and the electronic image sensor ( 21 ).

The same component ( 23 ) can therefore be used to process images in visible light and to process images that arise from infrared radiation.

Fig. 4 shows the mouthpiece ( 3 ) in a schematic Dar position. It is made to absorb X-rays. For this purpose, a light screen ( 39 ) is arranged in its housing ( 38 ), which converts the X-rays striking it into visible light. A first x-ray image is therefore created on the fluorescent screen ( 39 ). Behind the fluorescent screen ( 39 ), in Fig. 4 above the fluorescent screen ( 39 ), a lead glass pane ( 40 ) is arranged, which should shield the X-rays, but should be transparent to visible light. In order to improve the space in the mouthpiece ( 3 ), the first X-ray image visible through the lead glass pane ( 40 ) is mirrored with a mirror ( 41 ). In the further, with (a) and (b) indicated beam path, an optical system ( 42 ) is arranged, which generates a second reduced X-ray image. The surface of an electronic image recorder ( 21 ) is arranged in the image plane of the second x-ray image.

The component ( 23 ) of evaluation electronics ( 22 ) and imager ( 21 ) is detachably held in the mouthpiece ( 3 ) as with the mouthpiece ( 1 ) and mouthpiece ( 2 ). For this purpose, the locking finger ( 43 ) arranged in the mouthpiece ( 3 ), the guide surface ( 44 ) and the stop surface ( 45 ).

The housing ( 38 ) in the illustration of FIG. 4 is extended beyond the holder for the component ( 23 ) so that the opening ( 46 ) of the mouthpiece is always outside the patient's mouth.

Because of the limited space in the mouth, it is advantageous if the guide surface ( 44 ) and thus the direction of connection of the component ( 23 ) with the mouthpiece ( 3 ) is perpendicular to the direction of the X-rays. In FIG. 4, the direction of the X-radiation is indicated with (47). By reflecting the beam path (a), (b), the surface of the image sensor ( 21 ) is perpendicular to the direction of the guide surfaces ( 44 ) and thus also perpendicular to the direction of connection of the image sensor ( 21 ) with the mouthpiece ( 3 ).

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the mouthpiece ( 3 ), in which a light guide ( 48 ) is arranged between the optics ( 42 ) and the electronic image sensor ( 21 ). The mouthpiece ( 3 ) can thereby be made slimmer in the area of the optics ( 42 ). The holder for the component ( 23 ) with the image sensor ( 21 ) consisting of the locking finger ( 49 ), guide surface ( 50 ) and stop surface ( 51 ) can then be arranged outside the patient's mouth. The opening ( 53 ) of the mouthpiece ( 3 ) then results outside the mouth without the housing ( 52 ) having to be extended beyond the holder of the component ( 23 ). The bracket is then more accessible.

The light guide ( 48 ) can also be made flexible, which significantly improves the handling of the mouthpiece ( 3 ).

The same component ( 23 ) can therefore be used for processing images in visible light, for processing images that arise from infrared radiation and for processing images that arise from X-rays. The mouthpiece ( 3 ) according to FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 receives X-rays and emits visible radiation to the electronic image sensor.

Claims (9)

1. Dental video system for recordings in the mouth of a patient, with a mouthpiece which is inserted into the mouth of the patient and which absorbs the radiation coming from the object under consideration and with an electronic image sensor in which an image of the object under consideration is generated on the electronic image sensor is and in which the mouthpiece is detachable from the electronic image sensor and contains no electronic components, characterized in that the electronic image sensor ( 7 , 21 ) is designed to fulfill various purposes for optional interaction with various detachable mouthpieces ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) , which are set up to receive radiation each with certain different physical characteristics and to generate an image of the object under consideration on the image pickup ( 7 , 21 ) each emit radiation of a characteristic that can be registered by the image pickup ( 7 , 21 ). 2. Dental video system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic image sensor ( 7 , 21 ) for optional interaction with a mouthpiece ( 2 ) for detecting infrared radiation is formed. 3. Dental video system according to claim 2, characterized in that the mouthpiece ( 2 ) for detecting infrared radiation contains a light guide ( 30 ), a lens ( 31 ) and a filter ( 36 ) for shielding visible light. 4. Dental video system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electronic image sensor ( 7 , 21 ) is designed for optional interaction with a mouthpiece ( 3 ) for detecting X-rays. 5. Dental video system according to claim 4, characterized in that the mouthpiece ( 3 ) for detecting X-rays contains a fluorescent screen ( 39 ) for converting an X-ray image into a visible image. 6. Dental video system according to claim 5, characterized in that the mouthpiece for detecting X-rays contains a lens ( 42 ) for projecting the converted X-ray image onto the image sensor ( 21 ). 7. Dental video system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the visible image between the fluorescent screen ( 39 ) and lens ( 42 ) is mirrored. 8. Dental video system according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the visible image between the fluorescent screen ( 39 ) and image sensor ( 21 ) is transmitted by a light guide ( 48 ). 9. Dental video system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the surface of the image sensor ( 21 ) is perpendicular to the direction in which the image sensor ( 21 ) with the mouthpiece ( 3 ) is connected ver.