JP2000236537A - Diagnostic information transmitter, receiver, diagnostic system, diagnostic camera and camera adaptor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily realize a function of transmitting diagnostic information as a radio wave from a camera to an image reproducing device and displaying the information thereon. SOLUTION: The diagnostic system is provided with a camera 21 that converts an image of an object into an electric signal and a transmitter 22 attachable/detachable to/from the camera 21 at a camera side and with an image reproducing device 31 that reproduces an original image from a received image signal and a receiver 32 that is attachable to/detachable from the device 31 at a reproducing device side, and diagnostic information sent from the camera is converted into the original image by the image reproducing device and outputted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a diagnostic system having a function of converting an image of an object to be diagnosed into an electric signal and transmitting / receiving the same, a transmitting / receiving device and a transmitting / receiving device used in the system, and The present invention relates to a diagnostic camera and a camera adapter suitable for the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a diagnostic system, for example, it is possible to wirelessly transmit an image of an affected part taken by a dental camera, reproduce the image on a display of an image reproducing apparatus, print out the image, and record it as necessary. Already done. However, the camera and the image reproducing apparatus used in this system have built-in communication means such as a transmitter from the beginning, and it is difficult to configure such a system using a camera or the like having no communication means. In addition, a dental camera needs to have an optical system for side viewing in addition to an optical system for direct viewing, but a general video camera and a digital camera have such an optical system for side viewing. Nothing was available and could not be used as a dental camera.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention focuses on these points, and forms a diagnostic information transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus using a transmitter detachable to a camera and a receiver detachable to an image reproducing apparatus for communication. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily realize a diagnostic system including the means and to make a general-purpose camera usable as a diagnostic camera for dental use.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, a diagnostic information transmitting apparatus according to the present invention comprises a camera for converting an image of an object into an electric signal, and a transmitter detachable from the camera. , And is configured to transmit an image signal of the object from the transmitter. The transmitter has a connection terminal having both functions of mechanical coupling and electrical connection, and is configured to be detachable from a camera having a signal output terminal.

[0005] In the diagnostic information receiving apparatus of the present invention,
An image reproducing apparatus that reproduces an original image from an input image signal, and a receiver that is detachable from the image reproducing apparatus are provided, and the image signal received by the receiver is converted into the original image by the image reproducing apparatus. It is configured to convert and output. The receiver has a connection terminal having both functions of mechanical coupling and electrical connection, and is configured to be detachable from an image reproducing apparatus having a signal input terminal.

[0006] A diagnostic system according to the present invention comprises the diagnostic information transmitting device and the diagnostic information receiving device as described above. Transmission and reception of image signals in this diagnostic system are performed by radio communication means using radio waves or infrared rays. With such a configuration, a diagnostic system capable of wirelessly transmitting an image for diagnosis and reproducing and displaying the image on the image reproducing apparatus, or printing out or recording using the camera and the image reproducing apparatus having no communication means. It can be easily obtained.

The above-mentioned transmitter is configured to be supplied with power for operation from a camera, or has a built-in power supply for operation. The above-mentioned receiver is configured to be supplied with power for operation from the image reproducing apparatus, or has a built-in power supply for operation. Therefore, when power is supplied from a camera or an image reproducing apparatus, it is not necessary to incorporate a power supply into the transmitter or the receiver. It is only necessary to provide terminals.

As the connection terminal between the transmitter and the receiver, either a plug type terminal or a jack type terminal can be used, and these connection terminals are provided in a camera or an image reproducing apparatus correspondingly. Jack type or plug type signal output terminal or signal input terminal. As each of these terminals, for example, a plug or jack used for connecting a video signal circuit and a cable on the device side in a television or a video device or the like can be used, and the plug and the jack are inserted into the terminal on the partner side. In some cases, both mechanical and electrical connections are performed,
It is not necessary to provide a separate retaining means.

The above-mentioned diagnostic information transmitting apparatus has a function of transmitting a control signal to an image reproducing apparatus and further to a peripheral device connected to the image reproducing apparatus. With such a configuration, the image reproducing apparatus and peripheral devices can be arbitrarily controlled from the transmitting side that operates the camera, and diagnosis and the like can be efficiently performed.

As the above-mentioned camera, a general video camera or digital camera for consumer use can be used, or a special camera for diagnosis such as a dental camera suitable for taking an image of a patient's mouth can be used. Can be. With such a configuration, a desired diagnostic system can be obtained using a general-purpose camera having general versatility.

The diagnostic camera according to the present invention further includes a second optical system capable of photographing an image of an object existing on the original optical axis, that is, on the second optical axis in a direction different from the first optical axis. The second optical system is configured to be detachable from the camera body. The above-mentioned second optical system can be provided with illumination means for irradiating an object on the second optical axis. With such a configuration, the second optical system can be used as a side-viewing optical system, and can be used, for example, as a dental camera.

Further, the camera adapter of the present invention is detachable from the camera main body, and can be attached to the camera main body so that an image of an object present on the second optical axis in a direction different from the original optical axis can be obtained. It is configured so that it can be used as a second optical system for taking an image of the camera, and the same shape and dimensions as those of the original mount of the lens for the optical axis are adopted for the attachment / detachment portion with respect to the camera body. This camera adapter can be provided with illumination means for irradiating the object on the second optical axis, and the power for illumination is supplied from the camera body or built into the adapter. With such a configuration, the second
Can be used as a side-viewing optical system, and a general-purpose camera can be used, for example, as a dental camera.

[0013]

Next, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the diagnostic system, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transmitter, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receiver, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a camera adapter.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a diagnostic information transmitting device 2
And a diagnostic system configured with the receiving device 3.
The transmitting device 2 includes at least a camera 21 and a transmitter 22 connected thereto, and the receiving device 3 includes at least an image reproducing device 31 and a receiver 32. Camera 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a camera having a function of converting an optical image of an object into an electric signal. For example, a video camera or a digital camera can be used. In this case, the camera 21
Is a normal type that can capture only an image of an object existing on the optical axis in one direction.

The camera 21 is provided with two systems of a direct-viewing optical system for the first optical axis in the X direction shown in FIG. 1 and a side-viewing optical system for the second optical axis in the Y direction crossing the optical system. Such as a dental camera having a second optical system that can also capture an image of an object existing on a second optical axis in a direction different from the original direction that can be captured by the first optical system. Can be used. This function is to provide the first and second optical systems in one lens unit 23, or prepare a separate lens unit 23 having only the second optical system so that the lens unit 23 can be replaced. Can be realized by Although the angle at which the first optical system and the second optical system intersect is generally 90 ° or an angle close to 90 °, other angles may be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter 22 has a plurality of switches 4a, 4a on the front of a rectangular parallelepiped case body 22a.
.. are provided, and a plug-type connection terminal 5 is provided on one side surface. The connection terminal 5 is, for example, a so-called tripolar miniature plug having a signal terminal 5a, a power supply terminal 5b, and a ground terminal 5c, and is fixed to the case body 22a. A transmission circuit 22b is provided inside the case body 22a, and is configured to modulate an image signal transmitted from the camera 21 and transmit the modulated image signal from the antenna 22c. Each switch of the operation unit 4 controls these transmission functions, selects an image obtained by the lens unit 23,
The control signal is used for transmitting various control signals to the receiving device 3 which will be described later.
2 is transmitted. In addition, not only the image being photographed by the camera 21 but also the image stored in the camera 21 can be transmitted.

The transmitter 22 is used by connecting the connection terminal 5 to the signal output terminal 6 of the camera 21.
One signal output terminal 6 is provided with a jack type terminal corresponding to the connection terminal 5. That is, when a miniature plug is used for the connection terminal 5 as described above, the miniature plug that can be connected to the connection terminal 5 is used in combination with the camera 21 using the signal output terminal 6. If, for example, a short pin plug is used as the connection terminal 5, it is used in combination with a camera that uses a pin jack that can be connected as the signal output terminal 6. The connection terminal 5 may be a jack type and the signal output terminal 6 may be a plug type, contrary to the illustration.

The plugs and jacks described above may be those widely used in video equipment capable of outputting video signals for television, such as televisions and video devices, and these plugs and jacks are easily connected. In addition to having both functions of mechanical coupling and electrical connection, it has a structure that can securely maintain the connection state without the contact part coming off easily, and the relative angle of each other at the time of connection Is optional, so that the transmitter 22 can be connected in a direction that is easy to operate in accordance with the structure of the camera 21 and the like. In some cases, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which a member for mechanical coupling and a terminal for electrical connection are separately provided to separately share each function. Also,
FIG. 2 shows a case where the power for operation is supplied from the camera 21. However, the power for operation can be built in the transmitter 22, and in this case, the connection terminal 5 and the signal output terminal 6 are connected to a power supply circuit. Is unnecessary, so that a two-pole type may be used.

In the receiving device 3, the transmitter 22 of the transmitting device 2
The receiver 32 receives and demodulates the image signal sent from
The original image is reproduced by the image reproducing device 31. The image is displayed on the display device 3 in accordance with the control signal sent from the transmitter 22.
3 or printed out by the printer 34 and recorded by the recording device 35. As the recording device 35, an appropriate device such as a video memory capable of directly recording a reproduced two-dimensional image can be used.
Although a computer is not specifically shown in the illustrated receiving apparatus 3, the receiving apparatus 3 may include a computer, or may be a part of a computer system of a medical institution, for example. The communication between the transmitting device 2 and the receiving device 3 is as follows.
For example, the communication is performed using radio waves of the FM system using frequencies in the 1.2 to 2.4 GHz band, but the frequency and the modulation system are not limited thereto, and communication using infrared light is also possible.

The receiver 32 is, as shown in FIG.
The operation unit 7 is provided with a plurality of switches 7a, 7b... On the front surface of a rectangular parallelepiped case body 32a, and a plug-type connection terminal 8 is provided on one side surface. I have. The connection terminal 8 is a signal terminal 8 in the illustrated example.
a, a three-pole type so-called miniature plug having a power terminal 8b and a ground terminal 8c, and is fixed to the case body 32a. A receiving circuit 32b is provided inside the case main body 32a, and the transmitter 22 received by the antenna 32c is provided.
It is configured to demodulate an image signal or a control signal from the radio wave and send it to the image reproducing device 31. Each switch of the operation unit 7 is used for various controls.

The image reproducing device 31 is provided with a signal input terminal 9 into which the connection terminal 8 of the receiver 32 is inserted, and a jack type terminal corresponding to the connection terminal 8 is used as the terminal 9.
FIG. 3 shows a case where the power for operation is supplied from the image reproducing device 31. However, the power for operation may be built in the receiver 32. In this case, the control terminal 8 and the signal output terminal 9 are provided. May be a two-pole type having no power supply circuit. Other than that, the terminal type and the like are the same as the relationship between the connection terminal 5 of the transmitter 22 and the signal output terminal 6 of the camera 21 in the transmission device 2.

The diagnostic system 1 is configured as described above. By connecting a transmitter 22 and a receiver 32 to a camera 21 having no communication means such as a transmitter and an image reproducing device 31, respectively, And wirelessly transmit the image being captured or the image stored in the camera 21 as a moving image or a still image.
It is possible to relatively easily realize a diagnostic system capable of displaying an image on the display device 33 of the above or printing out an image displayed at a specific moment by the printer 34. The transmitter 22 and the receiver 32 are connected to the camera 2
1 or the image reproducing device 31 so that
It can be removed when it is not needed and does not get in the way.

The camera adapter 11 shown in FIG. 4 is used as the lens unit 23 in FIG. 2, and may be attached to the camera 21 from the beginning for replacement.
It may be sold and sold as a literal adapter alone. 12 is the main body base, 13 is the main body base 12
The insertion part 14 provided integrally with the main body base 12
It is a mounting part provided in the. This mount 1
The shape and dimensions of 4 are adapted to the lens mounting portion of the camera 21. For example, predetermined screws as shown in the figure are formed, so that they can be mounted on the camera 21 by replacing them with other lens portions 23. ing.

The insertion portion 13 of the camera adapter 11
The optical system 13a for side view as a second optical system for photographing an object on the optical axis in the Y direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction X
The optical system 13a is configured to focus on the imaging surface of the camera 21 when the optical system 13a is mounted on the camera 21. 13b is a lens hole, 13c is a lens hole 13
A plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination are arranged around b, and the LED 13c emits light by a power supply built in the adapter 11 or a power supply supplied from the camera 21 so that the object to be photographed can be irradiated. ing. Note that it is not always necessary to provide the adapter 11 with a lighting device such as an LED as long as the lighting device provided in the camera 21 can be used.

Therefore, the adapter 11 is connected to the camera 21
, The second optical system 13a for side view makes it possible to photograph teeth and the like similar to a normal dental camera, and is relatively inexpensive without preparing a special expensive dental camera. The desired intraoral imaging can be performed using a general-purpose video camera or digital camera. FIG.
In the above example, the adapter 11 is provided with only the optical system for side viewing, but the first optical system may be further provided with an optical system for direct viewing. In this case, the adapter 11 must be attached. This makes it possible to perform both direct-view imaging and side-view imaging in exactly the same way as with a dental camera. In addition, since it is used for imaging in the oral cavity as described above, it is desirable to adopt a structure and a material that are particularly waterproof for the insertion portion 13 and that can easily perform disinfection.

The camera adapter 11 may be provided with a fixing belt 15 as shown by a chain line in FIG.
The structure of the belt 15 is not particularly limited.
Reference numeral 5 is used when the camera 21 used is of a type in which the lens unit 23 cannot be replaced. That is, after the adapter 11 is arranged on the front surface of the camera 21 so that the optical axis is aligned, the adapter 11 is fixed to the camera 21 with the belt 15, which is effective in expanding the applicable range of the adapter 11.

[0027]

As apparent from the above description, the diagnostic information transmitting apparatus according to the present invention includes a camera for converting an image of an object into an electric signal, a transmitter detachable from the camera,
And an image signal of the object is transmitted from the transmitter. Therefore, by connecting the transmitter to a camera having no communication means, it becomes possible to wirelessly transmit diagnostic images.

The above-mentioned transmitter has a connection terminal having both functions of mechanical coupling and electrical connection, and is configured to be detachable from a camera having a signal output terminal. Therefore, attachment and detachment to and from the camera are easy, and the above-described diagnostic information transmitting apparatus can be configured relatively easily.

The transmitter is configured to be supplied with power for operation from a camera, or has a built-in power supply for operation. Therefore, when power is supplied from the camera, it is not necessary to incorporate a power supply into the transmitter. When a power supply is incorporated, the camera only needs to provide a signal output terminal. There is no need to provide any means for performing this, and the configuration is simplified.

The above-mentioned transmitter is provided with either a plug type or a jack type connection terminal. Therefore, both functions of mechanical connection and electrical connection can be provided, and the connection operation is easy and the connection state can be reliably maintained.

A diagnostic information receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an original image from an input image signal, and a receiver detachable from the image reproducing apparatus.
An image signal received by a receiver is converted into an original image by an image reproducing device and output. Therefore, by connecting the receiver to an image reproducing apparatus having no communication means, receiving and displaying wirelessly transmitted diagnostic images,
Alternatively, it becomes possible to print out or record.

The receiver has a connection terminal having both functions of mechanical coupling and electrical connection, and is configured to be detachable from an image reproducing apparatus having a signal input terminal. Therefore, the diagnostic information receiving apparatus can be easily attached to and detached from the image reproducing apparatus, and the above-described diagnostic information receiving apparatus can be configured relatively easily.

The above-mentioned receiver is configured to be supplied with power for operation from the image reproducing apparatus, or has a built-in power supply for operation. Therefore, when power is supplied from the image reproducing apparatus, it is not necessary to incorporate a power supply into the receiver, and when the power is incorporated, the image reproducing apparatus only needs to provide a signal input terminal. There is no need to provide a separate power supply means, and the configuration is simplified.

The above receiver is provided with either a plug type or a jack type connection terminal. Therefore, both functions of mechanical connection and electrical connection can be provided, and the connection operation is easy and the connection state can be reliably maintained.

The diagnostic system according to the present invention comprises the above diagnostic information transmitting device and diagnostic information receiving device. Therefore, by connecting a transmitter or a receiver to a camera having no communication means and an image reproducing apparatus, a diagnostic image is wirelessly transmitted and displayed on the image reproducing apparatus, printed out, or recorded. It is possible to easily obtain a system that can do the above.

The above diagnostic system is configured to transmit and receive image signals by radio communication means using radio waves or infrared rays. Therefore, cables are not required for transmission and reception, and the camera is not bothered by cables, so that operability is good and an easy-to-use diagnostic system can be easily configured.

The diagnostic system has a function of transmitting a control signal to an image reproducing apparatus and peripheral devices connected to the image reproducing apparatus. Therefore,
It is possible to arbitrarily perform desired operations such as display, printout, and recording of a diagnostic image, and it is easy to obtain a high-performance system.

The above-mentioned diagnostic system uses a video camera or a digital camera as a camera. Therefore, a desired diagnostic system can be obtained by using a general-purpose video camera or digital camera for consumer use.

The above diagnostic system uses a dental camera as a camera. Therefore, a dental diagnostic system having various functions as described above can be obtained at a relatively low cost.

The diagnostic camera according to the present invention includes a second optical system capable of photographing an image of an object existing on a second optical axis in a direction different from the first optical axis which is the original optical axis. Yes,
The second optical system is detachable from the camera body. Therefore, by using the second optical system as the side-viewing optical system, a general-purpose camera can be used as, for example, a dental camera.

The above diagnostic camera is provided with an illuminating means for irradiating an object on the second optical axis. Therefore, it is possible to take a bright and clear image of a target object in a dark part such as the oral cavity.

The camera adapter according to the present invention is detachable from the camera body, and when attached to the camera body, can be used to convert an image of an object present on the second optical axis in a direction different from the original optical axis. It can be used as a second optical system for photographing. Therefore, by using the second optical system as a side-viewing optical system, it is possible to broaden the application range of a general-purpose camera, for example, to utilize it as a dental camera.

In the case where the camera adapter is provided with an illuminating means for irradiating the object, the object in a dark portion such as the oral cavity can be photographed brightly and clearly.
In this case, if power is supplied from the camera body, there is no need to incorporate a power supply into the adapter.If the power supply is built in, there is no need to connect the camera to the camera body. It's easy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transmitter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receiver according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a camera adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 diagnostic system 2 transmitting device 3 receiving device 4 operation unit 5, 8 connection terminal 6 signal output terminal 9 signal input terminal 11 camera adapter 13 insertion unit 13a second optical system 13b lens hole 13c LED 14 mounting unit 21 camera 22 transmission Device 22b transmitting circuit 23 lens unit 31 image reproducing device 32 receiver 32b receiving circuit 33 display device 34 printer 35 recording device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B047 AA07 AA17 BB10 BC05 BC12 BC20 5C022 AA08 AA13 AC54 AC78 AC80 5C054 AA05 CA04 CC05 DA05 DA07 FA00 FF03 GA05 HA12

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A camera for converting an image of an object into an electric signal, and a transmitter detachable from the camera, the image signal of the object being transmitted from the transmitter. A diagnostic information transmitting device. 2. A transmitter for use in the diagnostic information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a connection terminal having both functions of mechanical coupling and electrical connection, and having a signal output terminal. A transmitter configured to be detachable from the transmitter. 3. The transmitter according to claim 2, wherein the transmitter is supplied with power for operation from a camera. 4. The transmitter according to claim 2, further comprising a power supply for operation. 5. A plug-type or jack-type connection terminal is provided, and the connection terminal is inserted into a jack-type or plug-type signal output terminal provided in the camera correspondingly. The transmitter according to any of claims 2 to 4, configured to connect. 6. An image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an original image from an input image signal, and a receiver detachable from the image reproducing apparatus, wherein the image signal received by the receiver is reproduced by the image reproducing apparatus. A diagnostic information receiving apparatus characterized in that the information is converted into an original image and output. 7. A receiver for use in the diagnostic information receiving apparatus according to claim 6, comprising a connection terminal having both functions of mechanical coupling and electrical connection, and having a signal input terminal. A receiver configured to be detachable from a playback device. 8. The transmitter according to claim 7, wherein an operation power is supplied from the image reproducing apparatus. 9. The transmitter according to claim 8, further comprising a power supply for operation. 10. A plug-type or jack-type connection terminal is provided, and this connection terminal is inserted into a jack-type or plug-type signal output terminal provided in an image reproducing apparatus correspondingly. The receiver according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the receiver is configured to be connected. 11. A diagnostic system comprising the diagnostic information transmitting device according to claim 1 and the diagnostic information receiving device according to claim 6. 12. The diagnostic system according to claim 11, wherein transmission and reception of the image signal are performed by wireless communication means using radio waves or infrared rays. 13. The diagnostic information transmitting device has a function of transmitting a control signal to an image reproducing device and / or a peripheral device connected to the image reproducing device.
3. The diagnostic system according to 2. 14. The diagnostic information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camera is a video camera or a digital camera. 15. The diagnostic system according to claim 11, wherein the camera is a video camera or a digital camera. 16. The camera of claim 1, wherein the camera is a dental camera.
The described diagnostic information transmitting device. 17. The camera of claim 1, wherein the camera is a dental camera.
2. The diagnostic system according to 1. 18. A camera further comprising a second optical system capable of capturing an image of an object existing on a second optical axis in a direction different from the original optical axis, and the second optical system being provided in the camera body. A diagnostic camera characterized by being detachable from the camera. 19. The diagnostic camera according to claim 18, further comprising illumination means for irradiating an object on the second optical axis. 20. It is detachable from the camera body,
Attached to the camera body, it can be used as a second optical system for photographing an image of an object existing on a second optical axis in a direction different from the original optical axis of the camera body. And camera adapter. 21. The camera adapter according to claim 20, further comprising illumination means for irradiating an object on the second optical axis, wherein power for illumination is supplied from the camera body. 22. The camera adapter according to claim 20, further comprising illumination means for illuminating an object on the second optical axis, and having a built-in power supply for illumination.