FI122876B - Device console and dental unit - Google Patents

Description

Device console and dental unit

The invention relates to dental machines according to the preamble of claim 14 and to device holder units according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to device holder units for dental care machines, which can store equipment necessary for dental care during treatment. The invention most closely relates to a suction device holder unit for use by a dentist, but is also applicable to a device holder unit used by a dentist. Device holder units typically have a plurality of device slots, i.e. device holders, arranged in parallel.

10

Dental machines are fitted with two basic types of equipment: instruments (eg, micro-motor / turbine (drill), scaler, ultrasonic hardener, syringe, etc.) and suction devices for removing saliva and treatment by-products from the mouth. Instruments and suction devices are connected by hoses to the dental unit's central unit. The suction hoses are semi-rigid tubes, whereby they can be used for suction purposes by means of a vacuum created at one end of the tube. Instrument hoses may include water connections, air connections, and electrical wires for operating the instruments, depending on the type of instrument.

The device holder unit or console is either a device 20 used by a dentist or a dentist, where devices can be placed when they are not needed, and from which they can be readily put into operation again. Most typically, the device holders are disposed adjacent to the holder unit.

There are two basic types of device holders: open and closed. By open holder 25 is meant a holder from which both the device and its hose are freely removable. By a closed holder is meant a holder from which the device can be removed so that its hose still passes through the holder, i.e., "rolls" through the holder. In addition, instrument and suction cup holders have their own special features, e.g. their hold zone geometry and the different hose thickness required by different types of equipment.

30

For a smooth dental operation, there is a common feature in medical machines that, when the device is removed from its holder, the medical device recognizes the removal and performs some preparatory actions, such as starting a suction pump downstream of the suction hose. This function can be called device activation. Thus, the device console 2 must have sensors to detect whether or not the device is in its holder. Activation of a therapy device in this document refers to the procedure whereby a user removes one device from the console and recognizes that device as a device choice. This is a necessary operation if there is more than one device that can be controlled by one controller, or if there is an auto-triggering action when the device is activated.

Activation detection can be implemented in many different ways. Most commonly used are the following detection techniques 10 - mechanical detection (e.g., microswitch), mechanical-optical or optical (IR) switch (light port), - inductive or capacitive detection.

The microswitch recognition is based on a button on the holder that is pressed by the in-15 instrument or suction head on the holder. The microswitch can only be used in open holders where the hose is removed during use. In roll-over holders, the hoses can cause error detection when they hit the microswitch.

Inductive / capacitive identification is based on the identification of the electrical characteristics of the device. It works in both open and closed holders, but requires that the identifiable device and / or its hose be specifically designed for this purpose, for example, non-conductive material cannot be detected by this method (for example, suction heads / scaler handpieces).

Known optical methods can only be used in open holders, because as the tube of the device rolls through the closed holder, there is no substantial change in the surroundings of the holder that can be reliably detected by, for example, a light port.

From the above identification techniques, for each device and corresponding device holder 30, the most suitable solution for this device has been selected, always according to the device and device holder and also considering the cost implications of the solution. This and other features and limitations of the device holder and devices mentioned above limit the device locations on the console.

3

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved device console for dental equipment, in particular to facilitate the work of medical personnel and increase the versatility of the console, and an improved device console for dental equipment.

The device console (device holder unit) according to the invention comprises a plurality of device slots, wherein the device slots are arranged such that at least two dental devices can be fitted to the device console. Each device bay further comprises a device holder for holding the device positioned therein in the device console. Further, the possible cooling of device types in the device console is interchangeable, and the device holder unit comprises means for identifying the type of device located in each device slot when the device is disposed in the holder.

Typically, such a console comprises a chassis and a plurality of device holders attached to the chassis, wherein means for identifying at least two different device types disposed within the device holders are disposed within the chassis to individually monitor each device location. Thus, when switching device positions 15, said devices may transmit a new device order from the device console to the therapy unit controller in the console. Likewise, when the device is removed from its holder, said means may transmit an activation signal to the controller.

The essential features of the invention are defined in the appended independent claims 1 and 20 14. The dental apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one device console and a central unit to which device hoses are connected for operating devices in device holders for dental care. Said device hoses and their corresponding device holders are designed for at least two different types of device to be connected to a dental appliance, typically suction devices and instruments. The device console comprises means for identifying the type of device placed in each device holder 25 when the device is located in the holder.

In particular, the invention provides a new suction device console having at least one closed suction device holder for a suction device and at least one other holder for another device such that the devices are removable in the console.

The identification of the type of device is most preferably based on a specific identifier (or lack thereof) in the device or particularly preferably in the device hose. Thus, in a two device type system, the identifier should be present in at least one device type or hose. According to one preferred embodiment, the tag is a color code that is attached to an end near the device of the device hose, i.e., an area that remains inside or near the device holder when the device is in place. Correspondingly, the sensor means is a sensor capable of color separation, for example a light source detector configuration utilizing two or more different wavelength ranges. For example, if the color tag is on suction hoses, the instrument hoses do not need the tag. On the other hand, if there are more than one recognizable device type, they may have their own color codes to which the recognition means are sensitive. Further applied, the invention thus enables not only device type locating but also the ordering of individual devices.

Most preferably, the tag is local, so that it is only detected when the device is well-positioned. Unlike, for example, a light port or a mechanical switch, this type of detection signal is also suitable for use with closed device holders, since a change in the activation hook is detected when the hose is pulled out (the tag is removed in the vicinity of the sensor).

According to a preferred embodiment, the device holders are removable from the housing, wherein means 15 are provided with means for removably receiving the device holders.

The invention provides considerable advantages. You see, the device type recognition allows the dental machine to be reprogrammed quickly whenever the device order is changed in the console. Thus, the handset of the console and still of the entire therapy machine can be easily changed, for example, due to the habits of the doctor or nurse or left / right handedness. Identifying the instrument type allows the correct activation signal to be sent to the device control unit regardless of the changed device order in the console.

In the past, for each device, and especially for a device type, the device console has generally had a specific, fixed location with a specific activation sensor designed for that device or device type. Thus, there was no need to identify the device type. In an arrangement according to the invention, identification of the device type is essential because otherwise a confused device sequence in the console would result in a false activation recognition signal and thus incorrect device activation.

It should be noted that the means for detecting the type of device in the device holder according to the invention are also suitable for detecting whether the device is in the holder or removed from it. Thus, separate activation sensors are not required.

30 5 νι

By device type, we mean primarily the distinction between suction devices and instruments commonly used in dental care. Having read the description of the invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may be applied more extensively to other device type divisions and even to individual devices. In particular, in some applications it may be advantageous to treat the syringe or other special instrument entirely as its own Waste Type;

However, the invention provides a particular advantage in suction device consoles. Suction devices are almost always housed in enclosed device holders, as their rigid tubing provides better control during treatment. In addition to suction devices, suction device consoles generally include 10 other devices such as instruments. However, the above-described deficiencies in the identification technology, particularly with regard to closed device holders, have greatly limited their order in the console.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device console with five device holders; 5 is a side cross-sectional view of one possible sensor array, FIG. 6 illustrates the underlying problem of the invention, and FIGS.

Figure 1 shows one device console 10 to which five device holders 12,13,14,15 and 16 are exemplarily fastened. The holders 12 and 13 are typical open instrument holders 30 shown at different angles of rotation. The holders 14 and 15 are typical open suction cup holders, also shown in different positions. The holder 16 is a closed suction device holder, which is distinguished from the open holders by the fact that the hose passing through it does not come loose from the holder during use of the device, but "rolls" over a roll fitted thereon. , 6

; > A

Figure 6 illustrates, by way of example, one possible console configuration with devices attached thereto. Device holders are marked A through E. The holders C and D are open, the others closed. Suction devices (dark) are denoted by i, while instruments are denoted by i. The arrow pattern at the bottom of the figure illustrates the possibility of changing the order of the device holders 5. ) A user-configurable holder movement requires that each device location has a sensor that can identify the suction hoses / s and the instrument hoses / instruments. Simple optical or mechanical identification, i.e. switches, light-gates or measurement of the intensity of reflection alone, does not achieve the desired result. The use of light ports and mechanical switches is precluded by the fact that the geometry of the suction hoses / suction devices and the instrument hoses / instruments is very similar. The reflection, on the other hand, does not distinguish between the devices, since their degree of gloss can vary quite freely. In particular, these techniques do not smoke the simultaneous recognition of the device type and 15 activation hooks in the closed holders: the reflection should be whether the hose is fully in the holder or pulled out.

One generic solution, that is, taking into account all degrees of freedom of the present console system, for device type enhancement is described in more detail below.

20

We have found that the ability to use color tags for color separation solves both type and activation detection in a reliable and cost-effective way. For example, if the ring attached to the suction hose is colored in a color different from that of the other hose, the hose can identify whether the suction hose is in its holder or retracted. The same sensor can detect whether the device in the open holder is in or out of the holder. If a solution is to be found in which both types of devices are contained in closed holders, their hoses may be coded differently (e.g. device type 1: gray hose, blue code; device type 2: red hose, gray (free) code). No change is required to the sensor.

By optical sensor capable of color separation, we mean primarily a sensor capable of spectrally separating surfaces of different colors, i.e. at least two surfaces of different colors. Thus, such a sensor utilizes not only the intensity of the reflected or scattered (later also "only reflected" 3 ° 7) information about the spectral intensity and? distribution results.

A suitable sensor can be manufactured in many different ways. The basic principle is to send 5 light per device or its hose with the first element and detect reflected light with the second element. The elements are arranged so that suitably different color surfaces give a different response to the detector. The elements can be narrowband or wideband or, for example, dual channel (two sources with different bands). A specific wavelength or band or several wavelengths or bands are picked up from the detector signal from which the color of the reflection surface can be deduced. Most preferably, the detection is made by comparing the intensities of the two wavelength bands.

Referring now to Figures 2 (and 3), in one embodiment, two different wavelength range light sources 206,208 (306,308), preferably LED light, and a detector 210 (310), preferably a photodiode, sensitive to these wavelength ranges 15 are used. Light sources 206,208 (306,308) and detector 210 (310) are disposed such that the light emitted by the light sources is adapted to reflect from the device disposed in the device holder 202 (302) or its hose to the detector. The light from the light sources can be directed in the desired direction by a prism 218 (318) or other optical guide. As shown in the figures, the prism may be common to both light sources and double, thereby providing a very compact sensor structure. Components and other electronics that may be needed can be located on the circuit board 228 (328). The resulting optical unit is placed in the device console in a trackable module 204, (304). The module has an aperture or apertures for 222 light. The module can be located on the console support 224 (324). The device holder 202 (302) is positioned in the vicinity of the module so that the optical connection to the device or hose 25 to be placed in the holder is maintained. The light sources 206,208 (206,308) have feet on the circuit board 208 (308) (not shown). The implementation and configuration stiffness that produce the desired effect can vary considerably from that shown in the figures.

The above-described embodiment has proved to be advantageous and well suited for color separation, in addition to allowing the manufacture of a very narrow detector in the lateral direction. The advantage of multiple prism is that it dispenses light rays appropriately, resulting in a smoother light on the target. Thus, the geometric tolerance of the color tag and detector placement increases.

8 • \

Similarly, different color light sources and a broadband detector, a broadband light source and a multichannel detector, a broadband light source and a detector, and different color light sources and a multichannel detector may be used.

By way of example, the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is provided with a white LED transmitter 58, the signal of which is interpreted by means of two very closely spaced photodiode diodes 59 filtered for blue and red light. This technique has proven to be inexpensive and relatively well-functioning.

Preferably, clearly separated wavelength ranges, such as blue and red light, and blue or red identifiers, respectively, are used. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the technique described can also provide a sensor capable of reliably separating multiple colors.

The color tags are preferably plastic or metal sleeves or stickers placed on or around the device hose or connector, whereby 360 ° identification is possible. The slimming may be carried out in any known manner, for example by painting or anodizing. In order to ensure reliable operation of the tags, it is preferable to have at least 1%, most preferably at least 10% mirror reflectance of the detected wavelength. Toi-20 catches can also be measured by scattering light from the surface, or even by secondary light, i.e., fluorescence or phosphorescence.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, the "depth" of optical sensing can be limited. This is useful so that sensors 40, 50 do not pick up error signals from, for example, attorney-25 municipal clothing, etc., which come close to the holder. Preferably, the optical depth of the optical sensor is limited to the area of the holder 42. 4 and 5 are based on the angular position of the light source beams 44, 54 and the detector beam 46, 56 relative to each other. Preferably, the angle is from 2 to 45 °, typically from 5 to 25 Because the beams have a limited opening angle, their shear area is limited. Thus, the recognizable color-30 surface must lie within this cutting area. For example, the detection area D may be 1 to 3 cm in length, i.e. of the same order of magnitude as the diameter of the hoses and holder.

If the opening angles of the light sources or detector beams are naturally large, as is usually the case with semiconductor components, the opening angle of the beams is preferably limited by means of a collimator or collimators disposed between the components and the object.

The collimators are preferably located in the sensor housing, mounting members or console shell. In Fig. 5, collimators are denoted by reference numerals 51 and 52. In the center of the beam, the intensity is also at its highest and unwanted side reflections can be minimized.

5 3

The therapy machine can be automatically adapted to learn or can be instructed to recognize type -i devices, with all suction and instrument hoses in place. In teaching, the machine can recognize objects of a particular color, for example blue, as highly reflective objects as suction tubes, and, for example, grayscale (such as blue and red) as 10 instruments. Preferably, the device is provided with a button for teaching, and the learning is executed when pressed. Alternatively, learning may occur, for example, when the device is turned on or during some other specified operation (e.g., changing the hand of the device and / or moving the patient chair into a treatment position). If the order of the devices of a particular type of device does not change (for example, the suction hoses in the same order and the instrument hoses in the same order), such a simple color-based tutorial is entirely sufficient. With monochrome authentication, a fully freely configurable console (device hoses may cross) still requires additional training through the user interface. Of course, this problem can also be solved with multicolor sensing.

20

The function of the detectors may change if the object to be detected is in a position substantially perpendicular to the detector. If the device holder needs to be rotated, the sensor can be tracked to rotate with it, for example as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Thus, by way of example, the sensor set may be assembled on discrete cards that are mutually ages. Optical parts of the detector can be left under a cover or lens for easy cleaning.

Figures 7a and 7b show an exemplary placement of sensor modules 73 in a device console. Each module is arranged separately as a vertically pivoting unit 30 such that the sensor pivots with the device holder 71 attached thereto. Reference numeral 75 denotes a spring adapted to lock the mounting means of the device holder 71 to the module 73.

ίο i

In particular, with reference to the solutions shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the like, electrical control of the sensor is preferably performed with compensation of ambient light (e.g., sunlight and room lighting) to avoid error detection. Sunlight and * light bulbs can be compensated by using short detection periods and 5 by compensating for the "DC light", that is, a relatively constant light component away from the detector signal. Fluorescent light can, in turn, be removed from the result by quickly taking two measurements, one for the reference and one for the measurement, with the detector in rapid succession (taking into account the light vibration frequency, above 50/60 Hz). During the measurement, a signal is transmitted at the desired light source. When these are subtracted from each other, essentially a contribution of the light source remains. By the same principle, the measurement is repeated for all wavelength bands used, preferably in a continuous cycle.

If it is desired that the light emitted by the optical sensor is not noticeable to the eye, or at least not disturbing, the pulses of the light sources may be kept very short, or at least the flash frequency of the light source may be adjusted to be indistinguishable by the eye.

In order to increase the dynamic range of the detector, the measuring electronics preferably has an adjustable damping to bring the measured voltage produced by the light experienced by the photodiode or other sensor element to a desired level prior to its analog-to-digital conversion and further processing. /.

The sensors preferably have on-going detection, or at least a very dense intermittent recognition cycle, so that device activation is recognized immediately after device activation (or reset) and desired (associated with pressure or electrical control) associated with the device can be started (or stopped). r

Preferably, the central unit comprises a programmable unit on which the type of device or device associated with each color identifier can be programmed. The central processing unit is adapted to use this information especially when it detects deletion (restoration) of the device from one of the device locations, whereby it can (de) activate the physical quantities associated with that device location.

11

The console may have light indicators to indicate the status of each holder (device on / off).

In particular, the invention is applicable to device consoles and therapy devices having 5 - at least two, typically 2 - 7 instrument / suction cup locations, - a normal dental instrument range, and / or - at least one closed suction cup or the possibility of using such.

None of the previously known identification methods would work as such on equipment meeting the above criteria. The biggest obstacle is the closed shape of the suction cup, which however is essential for the smoothness of the treatment (the suction device automatically returns to the holder).

A general problem with mechanical sensors is poor hygiene. The electronic sensor, in turn, emits radio frequency interference (EMC), which makes it poorly suited to new products. The electronic sensor can also pick up interference signals from the environment, causing treatment interference.

In the case of removable instrument holders, their type can be identified by some arrangement if desired, but this is not required for the operation of the invention.

Although the above describes in detail color-based and highly recognized optical recognition technology, the invention can, as one skilled in the art, realize other optical means, such as pattern, material or surface shape recognition technology, etc., or electronically suitable identifiers.

In addition to conventional suction devices or instruments, the invention can also be used in the case of specialty devices and as yet unknown dental devices. An example is a suction device equipped with a dynamic device such as a motor, a turbine, an intraoral camera, a light cure or a scaler.

It should be noted that some systems are known for dental devices to identify which device is attached to which dental device device port. EP 0736288 discloses the use of an impedance measured along a line of a device to identify the device. The ice system for recognizing a dental imaging camera in a dental instrument unit, in turn, is disclosed in FI 109521.

Claims (19)

A device holder unit for a dental machine, in which identification means for identifying instruments are arranged in connection with the dental machine, characterized in that the device holder unit (10) 5 has at least two device slots (12,13,14,15,16) for adjusting the stiffening of that at least two different types of devices are arranged to be located in said device slots and the stiffness of these different types of devices in the device holder unit (10) is interchangeable, which device types are suction devices and some other type of device, the device holder unit (10) , 13, 14, 15, 16), wherein at least one of the device holders (12,13,14,15, 16) is a suction device holder which is constructed in a closed configuration and that said identification means (40,50) comprises: the devices being tracked to at least two sites recognize it country, whether the device placed in the device slot (12,13,14,15,16) is a suction device or a device of another type. 15 Device holder unit (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the device holders (12,13,14,15,16) are removable, - the device holder unit (10) comprises means for removably receiving the device holders (12,13,14,15,16). such that their order is interchangeable. Device holder unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device holders (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) are of at least two different types, with the types of holders corresponding to said device types. 25 Device holder unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one device holder (12,13,14,15,16) is open. Device holder unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second device type is an instrument. Device holder unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means for detecting the type of device located in at least two device slots (12,13,14, 15,16) comprise optical sensors (40, 50) capable of color separation. Device holder unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensors (40, 50) are arranged to send light towards the device or its hose by the first element (58) and to detect reflected light by the second element (59), the elements (58, 59) being - 5 such that reflective surfaces of different colors give a different response to the detector (59). Device holder unit according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the sensors (40,50) comprise at least two different light sources (58), preferably LEDs, and a detector (59) sensitive to these wavelength ranges, wherein the light sources (58) and the detector (59) is disposed such that the light emitted by the light sources (58) is adapted to reflect from the device disposed within the device holder (12,13,14,15,16) or from its hose to the detector (59). Device holder unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the light sources (58) are directed towards the device or its hose by means of a prism or prisms (218,318). Device holder unit according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the light transmitted by the optical sensors (40, 50) is limited by collimators (51) to limit the effective detection distance of the sensors (40, 50). 20 Device holder unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for detecting the type of device (40, 50) located in said at least two device slots (12,13,14,15,16) are substantially identical in the device slots. Device holder unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for detecting the type of device (40,50) located in each device slot (12,13,14,15,16) are also adapted to detect whether the device is in its holder or not. Device holder unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a nurse unit. A dental unit, in association with means for identifying instruments, comprising a central unit to which at least one device hose is or may be connected, characterized in that the dental unit comprises a device holder unit (10) having at least two device slots (12,13,14, 15,16) arranged such that the arrangement of the devices to be located in the device slots (12, 13, 14,15,16) in the device holder unit (10) is interchangeable, said device holder unit (10) comprising the device slots (12, 13,14, 15,16) ) means (40,50) for connecting or connecting to said central unit a plurality of device hoses 5 and devices for mounting in a device holder (12,13,14,15,16) of a dental device holder unit, the device hoses being designed for said device types, that at least two different positions have been mapped to said device slots (12,13,14,15,16) the device type devices and the order of these different types of devices in the device holder unit (10) is interchangeable, which device types are a suction device and some other type of device 10 so that at least one of the device holders (12,13,14,15,16) is a suction device holder closed, and wherein said identifying means comprises means tracked at least at two device slots (12,13,14,15,16) to identify whether the device located at the device slot (12,13,14,15,16) is a suction device or a device of another type. A dental appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the device hoses is a suction hose for the suction device and at least one other is an instrument hose for the instrument. A dental appliance according to any one of claims 14 to 15, characterized in that the device hoses 20 to at least one other type of device are color-coded, wherein the color tag is adapted to fit within the device holder (12,13,14,15,16) of the device holder unit (10). and - the device holder unit (10) comprises an optical sensor (40,50) capable of color separation. A dental appliance according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the device holder unit (10) is according to one of claims 1 to 13. A dental appliance according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that it is adapted in response to a user-provided command signal to recognize the type of device present in said at least two device holders (12,13,14,15,16) and to further adjust the control of the central unit, that when lifting a particular type of device from its device holder (12, 13,14,15,16), operations specific to that device type can be performed. A dental appliance according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the means for detecting the type of device (40, 50) located in at least two device holders (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) are also adapted to detect whether the device 14,15,16) or not, and the central processing unit is further adapted to control the physical magnitude associated with this device location (12, 13,14,15, 16) 5 if a change is detected in this state.