JP2004237081A - Diagnostic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To miniaturize an easily-handlable diagnostic imaging apparatus suitable for imaging a diagnosed object presenting in a narrow part such as an oral cavity and allowing a user to recognize not only the surface situation but also the inside situation near the surface of the diagnosis object. <P>SOLUTION: This diagnostic imaging apparatus A is disposed with an irradiation means 2 irradiating a light on the imaged object, an imaging means 3, and a light receiving filter 12 allowing only the light with specific wavelength to pass therethrough and transmitting it to the imaging means 3, at the tip part 4 of a body 1 freely supported with the fingers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a dental caries condition, a defect part, a lesion part, a calculus or plaque adhesion state, a root canal part, a gingival, a cheek, a tongue lesion part, or a diagnosis of an otolaryngological region in the oral cavity. The present invention relates to a diagnostic imaging device used for diagnosing a tumor or the like, and more particularly, to a technology for enabling diagnosis of not only the surface condition of a diagnosis target such as a tooth but also an internal condition close to the surface to some extent. is there. Further, the present invention is not limited to use only by doctors, and is also suitable as a household diagnostic imaging device that can be used at home to check the appearance of teeth and to check the status of dental caries and calculus and plaque. .

For example, as a diagnostic photographing device for diagnosing the inside of the oral cavity, it is necessary to operate it by putting it in the mouth, and therefore, it is necessary that the imaging means is configured to be compact. That is, conventionally, such a diagnostic photographing device is configured such that a light source for irradiating light to a diagnosis target, a CCD imaging unit, and the like are extremely compactly arranged at a distal end portion of a main body held and held by fingers. For example, those having structures shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known.
JP-A-11-047092 Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-073531 JP 09-189659 A

  The intraoral imaging apparatus according to the related art described in Patent Document 1 is elongated as a whole and has a thin tip, so that it can be easily inserted into the oral cavity and the white LED is used as illumination light. It is possible to photograph while brightly illuminating the inside of the oral cavity, and has an advantage that it is possible to easily photograph a desired portion in a narrow oral cavity.

  However, in such an intraoral imaging apparatus, the state of the teeth and the surface of the oral cavity can only be imaged under irradiation with visible light (wavelength of about 380 to 760 nm), and the state of the surface layer and the dental caries However, it was not possible to accurately grasp the adhesion of tartar. Therefore, in order to know the state of caries, defects, cracks, and adhesion of tartar on the surface layer of living tissue such as invisible teeth, radiography has to be performed conventionally, and there is a risk of X-ray exposure in radiography. Was.

  The prior art described in Patent Document 2 is an apparatus that irradiates teeth with excitation light of 360 to 580 nm and detects 620 nm fluorescence emitted from carious parts, as described in the following (a) to (c). There were serious problems. That is, (a) a light guide for irradiating light to the teeth is required. (B) Although it is possible to determine whether a specific part is carious or healthy, only the detection information obtained when the specific wavelength of the excitation light is irradiated is obtained, so the patient cannot reach the state of the carious part. It cannot be used as an explanation for. In other words, it is not possible to obtain image information that is a detection of a local caries site and that can determine a relative caries state in the entire image of the tooth. (C) Image processing using a plurality of images such as a visible light image and an excitation image cannot be performed.

  The prior art described in Patent Document 3 discloses a diagnostic device that detects fluorescence of 670 to 800 nm using excitation light of 600 to 670 nm to detect caries, plaque, bacterial infection, and the like. In this case, in addition to the above problems (b) and (c), there are also the following drawbacks (d) and (e). That is, (d) it is not possible to irradiate various kinds of irradiation light such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light with one device, and naturally it is not possible to irradiate a plurality of irradiation lights at the same time, and it is different in time division. Irradiation with irradiation light is also impossible. (E) There is no suggestion of a technical idea of arranging and arranging main mechanisms such as an irradiation unit, a filter, and an image input unit in the head and compactly.

  As described above, there is much room for improvement in any of the conventional technologies, there is no X-ray exposure, the handling is easy, and the internal conditions such as teeth are diagnosed in a timely manner. A device that can do this was desired. Therefore, the object of the present invention has been made in view of the above, is suitable for imaging of a diagnosis target present in a narrow place such as the oral cavity, and, in addition to the adhesion state of tartar and plaque on the tooth surface, Another object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic imaging device capable of recognizing the state of caries inside a portion close to the surface layer to be diagnosed as a compact and easy-to-handle X-ray exposure-free device.

  A diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is supported by a finger, irradiation means for irradiating one or more specific wavelengths of excitation light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light, and the main body. Imaging means provided on the front side of the imaging device, the imaging means comprising: a solid-state imaging device; and an optical unit for forming an optical image of a diagnosis target on the solid-state imaging device. And outputting predetermined diagnostic image information by receiving reflected light reflected from the diagnostic target and / or fluorescent light generated from the diagnostic target when the light from the means is applied to the diagnostic target. It is characterized by. Here, the solid-state imaging device means a CCD, a MOS, or the like. In addition, as in the second aspect of the present invention, it is also desirably adopted that an irradiation unit for irradiating white light is further provided in addition to the irradiation unit.

  A diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the main body is supported by a finger, irradiation means for irradiating one or more of excitation light, infrared light and ultraviolet light, and a front side of the main body. Imaging means mounted on a portion, wherein the imaging means receives light emitted from the diagnosis target when light from the irradiation means is irradiated on the diagnosis target, and outputs predetermined diagnostic image information. A solid-state imaging device, and optical means for forming an optical image of a diagnosis target on the solid-state imaging device, the optical means changing the optical path of light emitted from the diagnosis target It is characterized in that it includes an optical path changing means. The solid-state imaging device here also means a CCD, a MOS, or an equivalent thereof as described above.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to the third aspect, the front portion is separable into a head portion including an optical path changing unit and a base portion including the solid-state imaging device. It is characterized by.

  The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the main body is freely supported by fingers, irradiation means for irradiating one or more lights of excitation light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and white light; Imaging means provided on the front side of the camera, the imaging means receives light emitted from the diagnosis target when light from the irradiation means is irradiated on the diagnosis target, and outputs a predetermined diagnostic image. It outputs information, and comprises a solid-state imaging device, and optical means for forming an optical image of a diagnosis target on the solid-state imaging device, and the optical unit is configured to emit light emitted from the diagnosis target. An optical path changing unit for changing an optical path is provided, and the front portion is separable into a head unit including the optical path changing unit and a base unit including the solid-state imaging device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the front portion includes a detachable attachment forming a part of the front portion, and the attachment includes the optical unit. Alternatively, irradiation means is attached. The optical means here is preferably a light receiving filter.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a light receiving filter that allows only light in a specific wavelength range to pass is provided in proximity to a light receiving unit of the imaging unit. It is characterized by.

  The irradiating means may be any one of an LED, a laser oscillator, and a halogen lamp, as in the ninth aspect of the present invention, or as the LED and the laser oscillator, as in the tenth aspect of the present invention, It is also possible to employ one that can switch the wavelength of emitted light. Further, as in the invention according to claim 15, the irradiating means is provided with a light emitting unit and an irradiation filter which is disposed close to the light emitting unit and allows only light in a specific wavelength range of light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass therethrough. It is also possible to have the following. Here, the laser oscillator includes a semiconductor laser or a solid-state laser. In the case where the LED or the laser oscillator that emits light of a single wavelength or the LED or the laser oscillator itself has a function of switching the wavelength of the emitted light, light of a specific wavelength range is used. It is not necessary to provide an irradiation filter that allows only light to pass through.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the head portion of the front portion includes an irradiating unit and / or a light receiving filter that allows only light of a specific wavelength range to pass. It is characterized by the following.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth or eighth to eleventh aspects, the irradiating means is attached to the front portion. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the front portion is detachably formed with respect to the main body. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the eighth to tenth or twelfth aspects, the light receiving filter is attached to the front portion.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the irradiating means is provided in the head portion, and the separable function in the front portion includes a head portion and a base portion. The connecting means is detachable from each other, and the connecting means includes an electric joint for supplying power to the irradiation means.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic photographing device according to any one of the eighth to sixteenth aspects, a filter attaching / detaching means for detachably attaching the light receiving filter is provided on a front side portion of the main body. The invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that a filter unit having a plurality of types of the light receiving filters is provided for selectively switching and positioning these light receiving filters to predetermined positions on a front portion of the main body. It is characterized by being mounted via filter switching means.

  As the filter attaching / detaching means, there is provided a rail groove which makes the light receiving filter detachable by sliding (claim 19), or the light receiving filter has the light receiving filter and is engaged with the front side portion. What is constituted by a cover body which can be attached and detached (claim 20) is desirably adopted.

  Further, the filter unit according to claim 18 is configured such that the plurality of types of light receiving filters are parallel to an optical axis direction of the imaging unit or the irradiation unit or of an axis orthogonal to the optical axis. The filter unit is provided around an axis and is mounted so as to be rotatable around the axis. Further, the switching means drives and rotates the filter unit around the axis as in the invention of claim 22. And a switching control means for selectively controlling the drive of the light receiving filter to a predetermined position by controlling the driving of the motor based on the light receiving filter switching command signal. In addition, it is desirable that the filter switching command signal is controlled in synchronization with the irradiation signal of the irradiation means, as in the twenty-third aspect of the present invention.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-third aspects, a plurality of the irradiating units are provided around a light receiving unit of the imaging unit. According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to twenty-fourth aspects, the irradiating means includes a plurality of light emitting units that emit light having different wavelengths, and the plurality of light emitting units. An irradiation driving means for selectively driving one or more light emitting units from among the light emitting units is provided. The irradiation driving unit is configured to perform irradiation driving for selectively emitting the plurality of light emitting units by time division control (Claim 26), or the filter switching command signal is transmitted to the irradiation driving unit. It is also desirable that the control is performed so as to be synchronized with the input signal and to switch to the light receiving filter corresponding to the selected light emitting section.

  According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to twenty-seventh aspects, diagnostic image information captured by the imaging unit is recorded as a still image on the main body, the control box, or the foot pedal. It is characterized in that an image storage means for storing is provided. The invention of claim 29 is characterized in that the irradiation driving means in claim 27 or 28 includes a light source selection switch mounted on the main body, the control box, or the foot pedal.

  The image storage means is configured to execute a time sequence specified in advance by operating a photographing switch and selectively irradiate irradiation light having a different wavelength by operating the imaging switch. An automatic imaging control means for sequentially storing and holding the taken diagnostic images in the memory may be provided.

  According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic photographing apparatus according to the twenty-seventh aspect, an image for recording and storing, as a still image, diagnostic image information captured by the imaging unit on the main body, the control box, or the foot pedal. A storage unit is provided. The image storage unit is configured to execute a time sequence specified in advance by operating a photographing switch, and to selectively irradiate irradiation light having a different wavelength, a diagnostic image captured by the imaging. In the memory, and the filter switching command signal is applied to an irradiation unit selected in accordance with an imaging sequence from an irradiation light source specified in advance according to an input signal of the imaging switch. Irradiating with the irradiating means corresponding to the imaging sequence It is characterized in.

  According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to thirty-first aspects, a power source and a wireless transmitter are provided inside the main body, and diagnostic image information obtained by the imaging means is cordlessly transmitted to an external receiving device. It is characterized in that it can be transmitted.

  A thirty-third aspect of the present invention is the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to thirty-second aspects, wherein the irradiating means includes a light-emitting portion that emits light having a wavelength suitable for curing the photopolymerizable resin. I do.

  According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to thirty-third aspects, the wavelength of the light emitted from the irradiating means is 400 ± 30 nm, and The filter provided in close proximity passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain predetermined diagnostic image information by receiving the reflected light and / or the fluorescent light generated by the excitation light emitted from the diagnosis target based on the irradiation of the irradiation unit by the imaging unit. It is possible to immediately and easily know the status of wounds on the tooth surface, caries on the surface and inside, dental calculus, plaque and gingiva, and to make an accurate diagnosis while using a compact diagnostic imaging device. By employing a solid-state imaging device (CCD or MOS) and an optical unit for forming an optical image of a diagnosis target on the solid-state imaging device as imaging means, good captured image information can be obtained at low cost. In addition, it can be obtained quickly. In addition, it can be provided as a small, easy-to-handle and convenient product, and can be commercialized in a small, inexpensive, and safe product. Therefore, specifications with limited functions are most suitable for home use. In addition, the imaging means can also capture a fluorescent region as long as it has a wide spectral characteristic capable of capturing light having a wavelength of, for example, 300 to 800 nm, and can capture a wide range of light from ultraviolet light to infrared light including visible light. It goes without saying that you can do it. Of course, if special fluorescence detection is required, an imaging means having a dedicated wide spectral characteristic wider than the above wavelength range may be selected.

  According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to an image such as fluorescence based on irradiation of light of a specific wavelength, a visible light image (an image obtained by a normal intraoral camera using a white light source) can be obtained. . That is, it is possible to simultaneously irradiate light of a specific wavelength and white light, but irradiate only white light by the irradiating means of the present invention and pass the reflected light without passing through a light-receiving filter or passing only visible light. When the light is received through a light receiving filter such as a glass to be illuminated, a visible light image of the diagnosis target is obtained. On the other hand, when light of a specific wavelength is selectively irradiated, an image (fluorescence image or the like) corresponding to the wavelength characteristic of the diagnosis target is obtained. . This makes it possible to compare the visible light image with an image such as a fluorescent image, or to superimpose the visible light image and an image such as a fluorescent image on the display to make it easier to see where the lesion is located in the visible light image. In addition, it is possible to acquire image information that can be easily shown to a patient and that allows an accurate diagnosis while communicating with the patient.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, the size of the front portion of the main body can be reduced, and the optical path changing means can be used as an optical means for forming an optical image on the solid-state imaging device. Since it is adopted, the thickness of the front side portion of the main body can be reduced, and the suitability in the case of a dental imaging device used in the oral cavity is improved. Further, when the front side portion can be separated into a head portion including an optical path changing means and a base portion including the solid-state imaging device as in the invention of claim 4, it is convenient for cleaning and maintenance of the head portion, and In addition, the head portion has no bulky component such as a solid-state imaging device, and the thickness of the head portion can be reduced, so that the suitability for a dental imaging device used in the oral cavity is further improved. In addition, since an expensive solid-state imaging device remains in the base portion, the solid-state imaging device is commonly used, and the cost is different at a low cost due to the characteristics of the optical unit such as the optical path changing unit included in the head unit by replacing the head unit. Different types of diagnostic image information can be obtained. Further, if the head portion is provided with an irradiating means as in the invention of claim 16, and if it can be separated by a coupling means interposed with an electric junction for supplying power to the irradiating means, different types of irradiating means can be provided. It is easy to appropriately replace and use the provided head unit, and it is possible to obtain various diagnostic image information according to the state of the diagnosis target.

  According to the invention of claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 3 or 4, it is possible to simultaneously irradiate light of a specific wavelength and white light, and furthermore, irradiate only white light by the irradiation means. A visible light image of a diagnosis target can be obtained by receiving the reflected light without passing through a light receiving filter or using glass that allows only visible light to pass therethrough as a light receiving filter, while selectively irradiating light of a specific wavelength. For example, an image (such as a fluorescence image) corresponding to the wavelength characteristic of the diagnosis target can be obtained. This makes it possible to compare the visible light image with an image such as a fluorescent image, or to superimpose the visible light image and an image such as a fluorescent image on the display to make it easier to see where the lesion is located in the visible light image. In addition, it is possible to acquire image information that can be easily shown to a patient and that allows an accurate diagnosis while communicating with the patient.

  Here, the diagnostic image information is a visible light image based on reflected light from a diagnostic target site based on white light irradiation, a fluorescent image based on fluorescence from a diagnostic target site based on excitation light irradiation, or a diagnostic based on infrared light irradiation. These diagnostic image information, which are infrared light images or the like due to reflection from the target portion and are obtained by appropriately replacing the head portion, can be utilized as extremely useful information in diagnosing the diagnosis target. is there. In the invention according to claim 4 or 5, when the head unit includes the irradiating means and / or the above-mentioned light receiving filter as in the invention according to claim 11, the head unit is appropriately replaced and used. In addition, it is possible to obtain more diverse and highly useful diagnostic image information.

  According to the invention of claim 6 or 7, a plurality of attachments forming a part of the front side portion are prepared, and various light receiving filters and irradiation means having different wavelength characteristics and light emission characteristics are attached to each attachment, and these attachments are appropriately attached. By selectively attaching and detaching, it is possible to apply an appropriate light receiving filter or an irradiating means according to the state of a diagnosis target or a diagnosis purpose, and multi-dimensional acquisition of diagnostic image information is facilitated.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, general reflected light from the diagnosis target and fluorescence in a specific wavelength range can be guided to the imaging means through the light-receiving filter, so that the excitation light is reliably cut and used for diagnosis. Useful sharp images can be obtained. In particular, when the irradiation light from the irradiation unit is excitation light, if this excitation light directly enters the imaging unit, it greatly affects the fluorescence image from the diagnosis target. Therefore, the wavelength of the light passing through the light receiving filter is appropriately set. Therefore, if such excitation light is blocked, useful image information for diagnosis can be obtained more accurately. In addition, a light receiving filter having a size suitable for the optical path of a necessary portion near the imaging means, that is, toward the imaging means is sufficient, and the light receiving filter can be made compact and, as a matter of course, has an advantage that the mechanism becomes simple.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, a fluorescent image, an ultraviolet light image, an infrared light image, or the like of a diagnosis target such as a tooth can be obtained by arbitrarily selecting various light emitting units. A diagnostic image is obtained. Since the LED is small, lightweight, and low-power, it can be easily attached to the tip, can be inexpensive, and can be used with the required wavelength characteristics. On the other hand, the laser oscillator has a high luminous intensity, and thus a clear fluorescent image can be obtained.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since an LED (light emitting diode) or a laser oscillator capable of switching the wavelength of irradiation light is used, it is not necessary to use many different irradiation means, and one type or a minimum type And a filter for irradiation that only allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through is not particularly required, thereby improving the size and weight of the diagnostic imaging device and improving the operability.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the irradiating means such as an LED can be compactly arranged directly on the front side of the main body without using a light guide or the like, and extra diffusion of light can be reduced as much as possible. In addition, it is possible to provide a diagnostic imaging device that can reduce illumination unevenness as much as possible and can operate efficiently.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the main body is basically made common, and only the front portion of the main body can be replaced and used depending on the purpose of diagnosis and the object to be diagnosed.

  If the light receiving filter is attached to the front part as in the invention of claim 14, it is convenient for maintenance such as cleaning, and the irradiating means and / or the light receiving filter together with the front part are attached to the main body. It can be attached and detached, so if you prepare a plurality of front-side parts with different characteristics such as the type of irradiation means and wavelength range, or the wavelength characteristics of the light receiving filter, these can be selectively mounted and used. By doing so, more accurate diagnostic information suitable for the diagnostic object can be obtained, and it is convenient and easy to use.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the irradiation filter is arranged near the light-emitting portion, that is, at a position where the spread of the irradiation light is still small, the irradiation filter can be made compact, and the irradiation filter can be made compact. Thus, irradiation light having a wavelength suitable for diagnostic symmetry can be reliably emitted. Further, since only light having a desired wavelength is irradiated, only necessary information can be obtained, and a processing circuit for cutting unnecessary portions from the obtained detection information becomes unnecessary. For this reason, a light source such as a halogen lamp having a wide wavelength range from ultraviolet light to infrared light including visible light can be used as the irradiation means.

  According to the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the light-receiving filter can be exchanged according to the purpose, which is convenient. For example, various types of light, such as passing the light reflected from the diagnostic object and entering the imaging means as it is, or limiting the wavelength range to a specific range, and further cutting the excitation light when receiving the fluorescent light from the diagnostic object, are used. By replacing or switching the light receiving filter, there is an advantage that it is possible to easily obtain appropriate and various diagnostic image information according to the state of the diagnosis target. In the case of the switching means according to the eighteenth aspect, the type of the light receiving filter is relatively limited, such as two or three. Is easy, and there is an advantage that any measures can be taken.

  According to the nineteenth aspect, replacement and attachment / detachment of the light receiving filter can be realized easily and at low cost. According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, a different light receiving filter can be arbitrarily selected and set by attaching / detaching / exchanging the cover body, so that the distal end portion of the main body itself can be configured more compactly. With this configuration, the range of selection can be increased by preparing a large number of types of light receiving filters.

  According to the twenty-first aspect, switching of the light receiving filter according to a diagnosis purpose or the like is performed by, for example, using a filter unit having a plurality of light receiving filters in a disk shape or a cylindrical shape in the optical axis of the irradiation unit or the imaging unit. It can be performed simply by rotating around the axis of the axis parallel to or perpendicular to the optical axis, which has the advantage that the light receiving filter can be switched easily, conveniently and quickly.

  According to the invention of claim 22, since the filter switching is automatically performed by the motor in accordance with the filter switching command signal, the labor and time required for the filter switching can be reduced, thereby speeding up the diagnostic work. Can be planned.

  According to the invention of claim 23, since the filter switching is controlled in synchronization with the irradiation signal of the irradiation light source, the irradiation of the irradiation means and the switching of the light receiving filter can be operated at once without separately operating. , Operation becomes simple.

  According to the invention of claim 24, even if the relative angle and the position of the light-receiving unit of the imaging means and the diagnostic object change in various ways, the light of the irradiating means is accurately applied to the diagnostic object, and the reflected light and the like are reflected. The image can be input to the image pickup means without shadow. As a result, the imaging means and the irradiating means can be compactly integrated in the front part of the main body, and can reliably take an image in any situation, thereby improving the reliability of diagnosis.

  According to the twenty-fifth aspect, since the irradiating unit includes a plurality of light emitting units that generate different wavelengths from each other, one light emitting unit (including a white light emitting unit) having an arbitrary wavelength is selected and irradiated. In addition to this (basic usage method), the light emitting unit irradiates irradiation light of different wavelengths at once (simultaneous irradiation), or irradiates light of different wavelengths sequentially in a time-division manner to acquire image information of a diagnosis target. can do. In addition, there is no need to replace the light-emitting unit or troublesome, and a desired light-emitting unit can be freely selected and set, which is convenient. Furthermore, if an irradiating means is provided for the purpose of diagnosis, it is possible to obtain a plurality of images such as a fluorescent image and an infrared image at the same photographing position. Therefore, it becomes easy to display a plurality of images photographed at the same photographing position using different light emitting units and light receiving filters in parallel or to overlap. The selection of the light emitting section is made by a switch, and then the light receiving filter is replaced.

  Here, the light emitting unit that generates different wavelengths means not only that one LED emits light of different wavelengths, but also, for example, LEDs having different functions (wavelengths) such as an infrared LED and an ultraviolet LED. . That is, since different types of lighting functions are provided, it is possible to irradiate simultaneously or irradiate in a time-division manner. Thus, when the image is not a still image but a moving image, it is possible to automatically switch and display various different images on the monitor according to the irradiation light from the light emitting unit.

  Further, if the irradiation drive for selectively emitting light from the plurality of light emitting units is performed by time division control as in the invention according to claim 26, the difference between the images at each time or the average may be obtained. By superimposing, errors and the like are canceled or the situation of the affected part is easily grasped, so that an image with higher accuracy can be obtained. Furthermore, if time-division control is performed at an extremely short time interval, and these time-division images are connected appropriately and image-processed and displayed on a monitor, an image such as a moving image can be obtained, which is easy for the patient to understand. It may be image data for explanation.

  According to the twenty-seventh aspect, the switching of the light receiving filter and the switching of the light source for irradiation can be performed not only by a single operation, but also the filter for light receiving and the irradiating means can be automatically switched between those set in advance and corresponding ones. In addition, the photographing time can be shortened and the operability is extremely improved. If the photographing time can be reduced, an image without blur can be obtained when processing between images is performed.

  According to the twenty-eighth aspect, if there is a part required during the diagnosis, the still image of the required part to be diagnosed can be easily recorded and stored by the function of the image storage means.

  According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the irradiating means is switched by operating the light source selection switch by performing a finger operation, a control box operation, or a foot pedal operation that supports the photographing device main body. Since operation can be performed, operability can be improved.

  According to the invention of claim 30, by operating the photographing switch, diagnostic images with different properties can be automatically obtained, and different image information of diagnostic value can be obtained in a short time without the influence of camera shake. Obtainable. If arithmetic processing is performed between these images, feature extraction of a lesion can be easily performed, and an image without blur can be obtained. In the present invention, each time the content of the obtained image is changed, it is possible to record and store a still image in the image storage means, and each time an image having a different content is obtained, the still image is overwritten. It becomes possible. For example, if an infrared LED and an ultraviolet LED are mounted, a mechanism for obtaining at least two screens of still images corresponding to the respective excitation lights may be provided, and each time sequential switching is performed, the still images may be overwritten. .

  If a white LED and an ultraviolet LED are mounted, a normal reflection image by the white LED and a fluorescent image excited by the ultraviolet LED can be obtained as a still image, and thereafter, image processing is performed by image processing means. It is also possible. That is, when explaining a patient, a white LED is selected to obtain a normal reflection image (visible light image), and when confirming a lesion, the irradiation unit is switched to an ultraviolet LED and a light receiving unit corresponding to the light receiving unit of the imaging unit is used. By attaching the partial filter, acquisition of such diagnostic image information is easily performed. Of course, both images may be displayed simultaneously.

  According to the invention of claim 31, not only the irradiation by the irradiation unit and the switching of the filter can be operated at one time, but also it is possible to automatically switch the type of the filter in accordance with the type of the irradiation unit set in advance, and to take an image. This is very convenient because the shooting time can be reduced and the operability is improved. Thus, according to the invention of claims 25 to 31, for example, the white LED is irradiated on the diagnosis target, and the reflection image is obtained and stored by the imaging unit through the glass that passes through the visible region as a filter, and stored. At the next moment, a fluorescent image emitted from the object to be diagnosed by irradiating with excitation light is acquired and saved through a dedicated light receiving filter, and this combination is automatically executed 20 times per second. It is possible to display a normal image in half and a fluorescent image in the right half, or to superimpose both images, or to cut out only the affected part of the fluorescent image and superimpose that part on the normal image. High value images can be obtained.

  According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to configure a cordless type photographing device which does not need to drag a lead wire, it is very convenient and easy to use in handling and diagnostic work.

  According to the invention of Claim 33, by adding a light emitting portion (for example, a blue LED) having a wavelength suitable for curing the photopolymerized resin to the irradiating means, it is not only a diagnostic imaging device, but also a prosthetic device in a dentist, for example. Since it can also be used as a photopolymerization irradiator of resin, it can be a convenient and excellent device having the function of a dental treatment device while being a photographing device. Thereby, the curing treatment of the prosthetic resin can be performed by one instrument without being switched to another instrument by the irradiation light from the blue LED as the irradiating means.

  According to the thirty-fourth aspect, for example, when light (excitation light) having a wavelength of 400 ± 30 nm is radiated from the irradiation means to a tooth having a carious part, tartar, or plaque, the carious part, tartar, or tooth is formed. The dirt emits its unique fluorescence. Here, since a light receiving filter that passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more (does not transmit light of 400 ± 30 nm) is provided near the light receiving unit of the imaging unit, the irradiation excitation light or the excitation light directly traveling to the imaging unit is provided. The reflected excitation light is blocked by the light-receiving filter, so that the excitation light does not enter the imaging unit. Therefore, a clear image can be obtained by the fluorescence, and image information extremely useful for carious site diagnosis can be provided. In addition, when the irradiation excitation light of 400 ± 30 nm is used, a filter of 430 nm or more may be basically used as a filter characteristic. In addition, experiments have shown that light having a wavelength around 635 nm and around 680 nm is also effective as excitation light.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the main body, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom view of the front end portion of the main body, and FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway front view of the front end portion. The diagnostic photographing device A in the figure includes a dental handpiece-shaped main body 1 that can be supported by fingers, and an irradiating unit 2 (light emitting unit) that irradiates one or more lights of excitation light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. 2a, 2b, 2c) and a front side portion 4 having a built-in image pickup means 3 using a CCD (solid-state image pickup device) 3a. This diagnostic imaging device A is suitable mainly for diagnosis of dental caries, defective portions, lesions, tartar, plaque and the degree of adhesion of biofilm, etc. in the oral cavity. In addition, it is possible to recognize a lesion inside the tooth surface by photographing the state inside the tooth surface (a condition inside the surface about 1 mm from the surface), and if the cordless specification is used, a signal is sent to the control box H (see FIG. 2) as cordless. , And the photographed image can be printed out and taken out. It is also possible to provide a zoom mechanism for performing zoom-in and zoom-out and an auto-focus function.

  The main body 1 is composed of a synthetic resin casing 5 composed of three parts, an upper case 5a, a lower case 5b, and a tip side case 5c. The lower case 5b is fixed to the upper case 5a with four screws 10. I have. The casing 5 is formed such that the main body 1 portion is relatively thick, and the front end portion 4 is squeezed so as to become thinner toward the distal end, and then swells right and left and upward. The front end side case 5c (attachment forming a part of the front side portion 4) is detachably attached to the upper and lower cases 5a and 5b, and has a light receiving filter 12 for the imaging means 3. 5r is a reinforcing rib integrally formed inside each of the cases 5a to 5c.

  5, the tongue piece 20 formed on the base side thereof is fitted inside the lower case 5b, and the hook piece 22 formed on the vertical wall portion 21 on the tip side is fitted to the tip side case 5c. The upper case 5a is mounted by being fitted into an engaging portion 23 formed at a corresponding portion of the upper case 5a. To remove the hook piece 22, the tip side of the distal case 5c is moved in a direction away from the upper case 5a to release the hook piece 22 from the engaging portion 23, and then the distal case 5c is moved away from the lower case 5b (FIG. 5). (To the left in FIG. 3).

  Since the light receiving filter 12 is provided in the distal case 5c detachable from the main body 1, if another distal case 5c having a different type of light receiving filter 12 is prepared, this distal case 5c is used. By replacing 5c, it is possible to easily replace it with a different light receiving filter. In FIG. 5, the irradiation unit 2 is attached to the upper case 5a together with the imaging unit 3, but may be attached to the distal case 5c and replaced with the light receiving filter 12 for each distal case. In this case, an electric contact for supplying electricity to the irradiation unit may be configured to be detachable.

  In the main body 1, a photographing switch (related to an image storage means for obtaining a still image) 6, a light source selecting switch 7, an image selecting switch 15, and an automatic sequence photographing switch 16 are provided in a state attached to the upper case 5a. In the main body 1, a power source 8 such as a secondary battery for driving the irradiation unit (light emitting unit) 2 and the imaging unit 3 and the like, and information captured by the imaging unit 3 are transmitted to the control box H. And a microcomputer 17 for performing the operation. In other words, the diagnostic photographing device A is configured as a cordless type that is easy to operate without drawing lead wires. If it is not a cordless type, the imaging switch 6 may be provided at a location other than the main body 1, such as a control box H or a foot pedal (not shown) connected to the diagnostic imaging device A via a lead wire.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an imaging unit 3, an irradiating unit (light emitting unit) 2, and a light receiving filter 12 are arranged in the front part 4. The imaging unit 3 includes a CCD (solid-state imaging device) 3a and a light receiving filter 12 as an optical unit. When the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 2 irradiates a diagnosis target such as a tooth, the light is reflected from the diagnosis target. The reflected light and / or excitation light is applied to the diagnosis target to receive the generated fluorescence and captures a predetermined diagnostic image. The diagnostic image is arranged at the center of the front part 4 when viewed in the up-down direction. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the irradiating means 2 includes a white LED (light emitting diode) 2a as a light emitting unit, an infrared LED (light emitting diode emitting infrared light) 2b, and an ultraviolet LED (light emitting diode emitting ultraviolet light) 2c. Each of the three types of LEDs (light emitting diodes) comprises a total of six, and is arranged around the optical axis of the CCD 3a at substantially equal angles so as to be rotationally symmetrical. Thereby, the light from the irradiation means 2 can be directly irradiated to the teeth. The LEDs 2a, 2b, and 2c (light-emitting units) are opposed to each other at a distance of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction around the imaging unit 3, but are not limited to the combination of the arrangement and the irradiation light source.

  In short, the irradiating means 2 may be any means that irradiates at least one of excitation light (preferably excitation light of a single wavelength), infrared light, ultraviolet light, and white light. Any of an oscillator (a semiconductor laser such as a He-Ne laser, a krypton laser, and a dye laser or a solid-state laser) or a halogen lamp may be used. The irradiating means 2 may be a white LED, a wavelength switching type LED or a laser oscillator. Examples of the wavelength switching type laser oscillator include, for example, JP-A-6-112589 and JP-A-2002-2002. One disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. -125982 is known. In the case where a laser oscillator is used, it is necessary to guide the light from the laser oscillation section in the main body to the front end irradiation port of the front portion 4 with an appropriate light guide.

  It is desirable that the LED and the laser oscillator have not only infrared, near-infrared, ultraviolet, and near-ultraviolet, but also red, orange, purple, blue, and green regions that are visible light regions. In particular, as ultraviolet light and near ultraviolet light that are effective as excitation light, commercially available LEDs having a wavelength of around 405 nm or around 400 ± 30 nm can be obtained at low cost. At this time, the light receiving filter 12 may be selected so as to pass only light having a wavelength longer than 430 nm (cut the excitation light near 405 nm or 400 ± 30 nm). Alternatively, a notch filter that cuts only the excitation light may be used. The wavelength of the laser light that emits the excitation light may be around 635 nm or around 780 nm as described above. In this case, needless to say, a filter that cuts light having a wavelength near 635 nm or near 780 nm should be used as the light receiving filter 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the light receiving filter 12 is fitted to the distal end side case 5 c by fitting, and has a substantially circular plate-like size that covers the lower side of the CCD 3 a and the six LEDs 2 a to 2 c. Is composed of The light receiving filter 12 allows only the light of a specific wavelength range to pass through the light receiving section of the imaging unit 3, but the peripheral portion corresponding to the irradiation unit 2 has a structure that allows the light of the irradiation unit 2 to pass through as it is. Or, this peripheral portion may be used as an irradiation filter that allows only the light of a specific wavelength range of the light from the irradiation unit 2 to pass through and irradiates the object to be diagnosed, or both the light receiving filter and the irradiation filter. It is also possible to use a composite filter having functions. In this example, the light receiving section of the image pickup means 3 indicates a portion between the upper and lower portions of the light receiving filter 12 and the CCD 3a in the front portion 4, but in the following, a portion where the light from the diagnostic object goes to the image pickup means 3 will be described. We use it as a concept to indicate. As described above, the light receiving filter 12 in the illustrated example has a structure in which only the light of the specific wavelength band passes through the light receiving section of the imaging unit 3 and the light of the irradiation unit 2 passes as it is in the peripheral portion. However, as the peripheral portion, glass or another material (space is also possible) that allows the irradiation light to pass through can be applied here. When irradiating only white light, it is desirable to use a visible light filter that transmits only visible light as the light receiving filter 12, but it is also possible to simply apply glass to the visible light filter.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a usage state of the diagnostic imaging device A. As shown in the drawing, the diagnostic imaging device A inserts the front part 4 into the oral cavity to form a tooth 14 as a diagnosis target. The diagnosis can be performed while an image picked up by the image pickup means 3 is displayed on a monitor screen M (see FIG. 2) connected to the control box H. If there is a region of interest, the photographing switch 6 is operated while photographing the location, so that a still image of the location is stored in the main body 1 or the memory 18 of the control box H, and controlled as needed. It can be printed out by a printer (not shown) connected to the box H. In the diagnostic imaging device A, the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 2 can be directly applied to the teeth 14.

  Irradiation of excitation light with a wavelength of 400 nm to teeth with tartar, plaque or carious parts (lesioned parts), and mounting a light-receiving filter on the light-receiving part of the imaging means, which passes only light with a wavelength of 430 nm or more, for photographing Then, these lesions in the diagnostic image are perceived as orange to orange. FIG. 6 shows a printout image of the tooth 14 taken by the diagnostic photographing device A. Irradiation with excitation light is not as effective as irradiation with white light, but the entire tooth can be observed, and the lesion (fluorescent site) is visible in orange or orange in the image. In FIG. 6, a virtual line portion is a lesion.

  In addition, only a fluorescent image (part drawn by a virtual line) due to fluorescence generated by irradiation with excitation light is displayed by being superimposed on a visible light image (part drawn by a solid line) by irradiation light in a visible light region. Accordingly, if both images are formed into a composite image in a superimposed state, FIG. 6 becomes an image having more diagnostic value and is optimal for explanation to a patient.

  According to this, on a visible light image of a tooth surface portion taken by visible light, a calculus, plaque or dental caries (cavities) of an internal portion close to the surface layer, which is revealed by fluorescence, is hardly visible in the visible light image. And the like are clearly visible, and it is possible to see at a glance where the tartar, plaque or dental caries (cavities) are located. In FIG. 6, the visible light image and the fluorescent image are superimposed, but it is also possible to display these images individually and use them for diagnosis. However, in a fluorescent image, caries (cavities) and the like are clearly visible, but the image of the tooth itself is not clear. On the other hand, in a visible light image, the outline of the tooth is also clear. Since the missing portions of both images are complemented, high-quality diagnostic image information is obtained in which the outline of the teeth is clear and the tartar, plaque or caries (cavities) are clear. Details of a system and a principle for obtaining such an image will be described later.

  Here, an example of the overall configuration of the system including the diagnostic imaging device A will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the system is roughly divided into a main body 1, a control box H, and a display section M. The exchange of signals with H is performed wirelessly (cordless) by the transmitter 9 and the receiver 46. Since each component is clearly shown in FIG. 8, the description of each name is omitted.

  The main body 1 includes various switches 6, 7, 15, 16; a central control unit corresponding to the microcomputer 17; a light receiving filter switching control unit and an irradiation filter switching control unit corresponding to the filter switching means F (described later); A light source switching control unit corresponding to the light source selecting means D (described later), a video circuit for converting a signal from the CCD into a video signal, and the like are mounted. In the control box H, in addition to the receiver 46, a command operation unit (portions corresponding to various switches 6, 7, 15, and 16), a control unit, an image processing unit, and an image storage unit (an image storage unit) corresponding to the memory 18. ), And a power supply unit. A display unit M such as a liquid crystal screen and a power supply unit (such as an outlet connected to a commercial power supply) are connected to the control box H.

  Next, FIG. 9 shows an example of the entire configuration of a wired system including a diagnostic imaging device A using a personal computer pc. The main body 1 in this case is the same as that shown in FIG. 8 except that the transmitter 9 is replaced with a lead wire such as a cable. The control box H is equipped with a command operation unit (the same as that shown in FIG. 8) and a power supply unit. The personal computer pc includes a control unit, an image processing unit, an image storage unit corresponding to the memory 18, and a power supply unit. The display unit M and the power supply unit are connected to the personal computer pc.

  In the imaging diagnostic device A configured as described above, various imaging modes described later are possible, and an image processing unit (in the control box H in FIG. 8 and in the personal computer pc in FIG. 9). ) Makes it possible to take differences between various images, create overlapping images, and store them in the image storage unit.

  The light source selection switch 7 is a switch that variously switches the lighting state of the three types of LEDs 2a, 2b, and 2c (two each as shown in FIG. 4). That is, the first lighting state in which only the two white LEDs 2a are lit by the pressing operation of the light source selection switch 7, the second lighting state in which only the two infrared LEDs 2b are lit, and the third lighting state in which only the two ultraviolet LEDs 2c are lit. The rotary switch is configured to sequentially switch between a lighting state and a full lighting state in which all six LEDs 2a to 2c light up.

  The image selection switch 15 is used to select a desired diagnostic image from among the diagnostic images stored in the memory 18 that are captured by operating the imaging switch 6. That is, each time the image selection switch 15 is pressed, the selected diagnostic images are sequentially switched one by one. Therefore, by continuously depressing the image selection switch 15 while watching the monitor screen M, a desired diagnostic image can be easily picked up from a plurality of diagnostic images. If a personal computer or the like is used, a plurality of images can be displayed simultaneously.

  The automatic sequence photographing switch 16 is a switch for selecting and activating the automatic photographing control means C (described later). In a state where the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 is not operated, the above-mentioned light source selecting switch 7 functions. By operating the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 (ON operation), the function of the light source selection switch 7 is cancelled, and the automatic photographing control means C is activated. That is, the image storage means B (described later) executes the time sequence specified in advance by the operation of the automatic sequence photographing switch 16, and the image pickup means 3 executes the operation each time the irradiation light having a different wavelength is selectively driven. An automatic imaging control means C is provided for sequentially storing and holding the taken diagnostic images in the memory 18. The image storage means B including the memory 18 and the automatic photographing control means C are provided in the microcomputer 17.

  That is, when the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 is turned on, a cycle in which the white, infrared, and ultraviolet LEDs 2a to 2c are irradiated at the interval of the time t2 for the time t3 is repeated as shown in the time chart of FIG. After a time t1 from the start of irradiation of each of the LEDs 2a to 2c, an operation of storing an image captured by the imaging unit 3 in the memory 18 is started, and the storage operation ends at the same time as the end of LED irradiation. Thereby, an image captured by irradiating only the white LED 2a, an image captured by irradiating only the infrared LED 2b, and an image captured by irradiating only the ultraviolet LED 2c (normal reflection image, fluorescent image) are continuously stored in a very short time. Can be done.

  The automatic photographing control means C may be configured to start the control automatically without operating the photographing switch 6. For example, when the diagnostic imaging device A is moved to a desired position in the oral cavity and then stopped for a predetermined time (eg, 1 to 2 seconds), the stop of the predetermined time is sensed (a position sensor, a shaking detection sensor, or the like). Is used, an operation sequence in which photographing is automatically started is conceivable, but another operation sequence may be used.

  When the filter changeover switch is operated, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the plurality of light receiving filters 12 are automatically rotated by rotating the light receiving filter body 12 using the motor 28 built in the main body. It is also possible to adopt a structure in which the light receiving filter 12 can be selectively switched. If the light receiving filter 12 is switched, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the irradiation light, so that the fluorescence image emitted from the diagnosis target becomes clearer. The details of the examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described later.

  FIG. 6 shows, as described above, a captured image (portion drawn by a virtual line) due to fluorescence generated by irradiation of excitation light on a captured image (portion drawn by a solid line) obtained by irradiation light in the visible light region. An example of printing out a composite image in the state shown below will be described. The principle of obtaining such an image will be described. When the irradiation light (including the excitation light) of the LED 2 irradiates the tooth 14 to be diagnosed, it receives the fluorescent light generated from the tooth 14 and takes a predetermined diagnostic image. The wavelength of the fluorescence differs between the case and the carious tooth. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in the case of irradiation light having a wavelength of 406 nm, in the case of a healthy tooth, the radiation intensity I shows a tendency to gradually decrease with an increase in the wavelength of the fluorescent light. In the case of (1), the radiation intensity I with respect to the wavelength of the fluorescence exhibits a fluorescence spectrum having peaks at three places (636 nm, 673 nm, 700 nm). According to experiments, it has been confirmed that orange to orange fluorescence is also emitted. It goes without saying that the images in FIG. 6 can be displayed as individual images without being superimposed.

  Therefore, by displaying only the fluorescent image portion corresponding to the wavelength of the peak, the site of the carious enamel image can be specified. In addition, if the fluorescent image is displayed according to the fluorescent intensity, only the carious portion can be displayed in the entire tooth. By irradiating the excitation light and the white light in a pulse form (see FIG. 10), both a fluorescent image and a visible light image based on the white light can be obtained, and the fluorescent image becomes an image in which the entire tooth can be recognized, but is not clear. If the outline of the part emitting the fluorescence is cut out and extracted, and this and the visible light image of white light are synthesized and displayed by the central control unit 17, as shown in FIG. Thus, it is possible to obtain a photographed image having clinical value. In order to obtain these fluorescent images, the light receiving filter 12 that allows only the fluorescent images to pass through is selectively used. Further, not only the outline part but also the entire fluorescent image area may be used for the synthesis.

  Actually, light (excitation light) having a wavelength of 406 nm is emitted from the irradiation means 2 to the teeth (diagnosis target part), and light having a wavelength of 406 nm is not transmitted to the light receiving portion of the imaging means 3 (430 nm or more). If a light receiving filter 12 is attached) and the image pickup means 3 picks up an image by the fluorescence emitted from the carious enamel, the excitation light from the irradiating means 2 having a strong influence is picked up. An extremely clear caries-based fluorescent image can be obtained without entering the means 3. A portion where tartar or plaque is attached can be detected in the same manner.

  In general, as can be seen by comparing the graphs (irradiation intensity comparison graphs) with the irradiation light having a wavelength of 488 nm shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, healthy teeth (healthy enamel) and carious teeth were decayed. In the case of tooth (carious enamel), if the wavelength of the excitation light to be applied is different, the intensity of the generated fluorescence changes for each wavelength.

  As the irradiation unit 2, a halogen lamp or a krypton lamp that emits light of a wide wavelength, an infrared LED 2b or an ultraviolet LED 2c that emits excitation light of a single wavelength, a laser oscillator (semiconductor laser) that outputs ultraviolet light, or the like can be used. For example, if the infrared image is detected by the imaging means 3 by selecting a light receiving filter, near infrared rays have better transmission characteristics than visible light, so that the inside of a tooth can be observed in more detail. Even when it does not reach the inside, it is possible to clearly observe the cracks of the teeth, the adhesion state of the tartar, the gap between the restoration and the tooth material, and the like. Further, in a fluorescent image by ultraviolet light, it is easy to diagnose a fluorescent image by caries. Therefore, the optimum diagnosis can be performed by selectively using the irradiation unit and the light receiving filter (and the irradiation filter depending on the type of the irradiation unit) having different wavelengths according to the purpose of diagnosis, or by using overlapping images. . In the above description, an example is shown in which only the infrared image is detected by the imaging means by irradiating the infrared LED and selecting the light receiving filter, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of irradiation light source selection means D (corresponding to the light source selection switch 7 in FIG. 1). That is, the irradiation light source selection means D is composed of four types of light-emitting units (a plurality of light-emitting units that emit light having different wavelengths) 2a to 2d composed of LEDs, infrared light, white light, ultraviolet light 1 and ultraviolet light 2 For selectively driving any one (or more) of the plurality of light emitting units 2a to 2d from among the plurality of light emitting units 2a to 2d. It comprises four analog switches sw1 to sw4 connected between the light emitting units 2a to 2d, four light source selection switches hs1 to hs4, and a switch control unit 19.

  When the first light source selection switch hs1 is turned on, the first analog switch sw1 is operated to activate the infrared LED 2b. Similarly, when the second light source selection switch hs2 is turned on, the white LED 2a is set to the third light source selection. When the switch hs3 is turned on, the ultraviolet ray 1 LED 2c can be activated, and when the fourth light source selection switch hs4 is turned on, the ultraviolet ray 2 LED 2d can be activated. In this manner, any type of irradiation light can be selected. Naturally, the obtained diagnostic image is a diagnostic image having different properties depending on the irradiation light and the filter.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a filter switching means for light reception. The filter switching means F shown in the figure is a supporting means in which two light receiving filters 12 having different cutoff wavelengths are arranged at both ends. A frame (filter unit) 24 is manually rotatable around an axis P of an axis parallel to the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 (or the irradiation unit 2). That is, by switching the support frame 24 from the state shown in FIG. 14 by 180 degrees around the axis P, it is possible to switch to the other light-receiving filter 12 (having different light-transmitting characteristics). it can.

  The support frame 24 has a penetrating window 24a formed between the axis P and the light-receiving filters 12, 12 so as not to hinder the light transmission of the irradiation means 2. The support frame 24 may be turned to the opposite side, or may be provided with three or more light receiving filters 12. Each of the light receiving filters 12, 12 is arranged on the same circumference around the axis P. By combining this with the control of the light source selection switch of the second embodiment, it is possible to easily change the light receiving filter together with the change of the irradiation means.

  FIGS. 15 and 16 show another filter switching means for light reception. The filter switching means F shown in FIG. 15 is used to move a plurality of filters 12 for light reception in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging means 3 or the irradiation means 2. It is externally fitted to the front part 4 of the main body so as to be rotatable around the axis Q of the shaft. That is, a rectangular cylindrical cover body (filter unit) 25 provided with light-receiving filters 12 of different types (different in light transmission characteristics) is provided at four positions, that is, up, down, left, and right. By fitting and rotating by 90 degrees, the light receiving filter 12 located immediately below the imaging unit 3 can be switched to an adjacent light receiving filter 12 that is 90 degrees apart.

  The cover body 25 has cylindrical portions 26 at both ends which are fitted to the cylindrical front side portion 4 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction, and a substantially rectangular cylindrical filter supporting portion having four light receiving filters 12 therebetween. 27 are formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. In the illustrated example, the light receiving filter 12 has a through hole at a position corresponding to each light emitting unit of the irradiation unit 2 so as to transmit light from the light emitting unit as it is. Or the light receiving filter 12 may be omitted, and an irradiation filter may be incorporated to constitute the irradiation filter switching means. It is convenient to provide a detent mechanism (a light fitting portion due to unevenness) on the cover body 25 and the support frame 24 so as to lock and maintain the light receiving filter 12 at a proper position corresponding to the imaging means 3. .

  FIG. 16 shows a mechanism in which filter switching by the filter switching means F shown in FIG. 15 can be automatically performed. That is, an electric motor 28 such as a step motor for driving and rotating the cover body 25 around the axis Q, a filter changeover switch 29, and a drive control of the electric motor 28 based on a filter changeover command signal by the operation of the switch 29. A switching control means 30 for rotating and moving the filter 25 is provided, so to say, a semi-automatic filter switching means F is constituted.

  The output rotating body 28a of the electric motor 28 is inscribed in the cylindrical portion 26 of the cover body 25 through a through hole (not shown) formed in the front part 4, and the filter body is operated by operating the filter changeover switch 29 once. The electric motor 28 is controlled by the switching control means 30 so that the light-receiving filter 12 is rotated by just 90 degrees about the axis Q, and the light-receiving filter 12 can be switched to the adjacent light-receiving filter 12. That is, filter switching can be performed simply, reliably and quickly by only one action operation of operating the filter switching switch 29.

  That is, a motor 28 for driving and rotating the plurality of light receiving filters 12 around the axis Q is provided, and the light receiving filters 12 are switched by controlling the driving of the motor 28 based on a filter switching command signal by operating the filter switching switch 29. By providing the switching control means 30, the filter switching means F is configured. In this way, if the light receiving filter is switched by the motor in synchronization with the switching of the irradiation light, different types of diagnostic images can be easily obtained. Although the examples of FIGS. 15 and 16 are shown as filter switching means for light reception, a similar mechanism can be applied to filter switching means for irradiation. When it is intended to obtain a visible light image using a halogen lamp or a white LED having a wide wavelength (white light) as the irradiating means 2, a filter for irradiation is unnecessary, but an LED or a semiconductor laser is used. When it is intended to irradiate light of a specific wavelength by using it, it is effective to equip the irradiating means 2 with an irradiating filter so as to be switchable.

  FIG. 17 is a control block diagram showing an example in which the filter switching means F shown in FIG. 16 is applied to switching of the irradiation filter. It is configured to be controlled in synchronization with a signal. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, when the irradiation switch 45 (functionally the same as the light source selection switches hs1 to hs4 shown in FIG. 13) is turned on by manual operation, the analog switch sw1 is turned on to turn on the white LED or the like. The motor 28 is driven so that the irradiation filter 2 is turned on and the irradiation filter 13 corresponding to the turned on irradiation means 2 (corresponding to the irradiation switch 45) is selected and set to a desired irradiation filter 13. The state is controlled to be switched. That is, in FIG. 17, one irradiation switch 45 is provided, and irradiation of the irradiation unit 2 and the irradiation filter 13 in response to the selected irradiation switch 45 are automatically selected and set. Needless to say, such a switching control sequence can be applied to switching of the light receiving filter. In this example, an example in which a white LED is used as the irradiation light source has been described, but a halogen lamp can be similarly employed.

  FIG. 18 shows a time chart for the irradiation switch 45, the analog switch sw1, and the motor 28 by the filter switching means F shown in FIG. That is, a state is shown in which the analog switch sw1 is turned on in synchronization with the ON operation of the irradiation switch 45, whereby the motor 28 is also driven in synchronization. However, the energization time to the motor 28 is set slightly longer than the ON time of the analog switch sw1, so that the switching operation of the irradiation filter 13 (applicable to the light receiving filter) is performed reliably. I have.

  19 (a), (b) and (c) show an example of the filter attaching / detaching means. The filter attaching / detaching means E in the illustrated example slides the light receiving filter 12 as a single unit made of glass or plastic. A rail groove 31 for removal and mounting is formed in the front part 4. That is, a pair of raised portions 32 is formed on the bottom surface side of the front end side case 5c (which constitutes a part of the front side portion 4), and the end of the plate-shaped light receiving filter 12 is fitted to each raised portion 32. A recessed rail groove 31 is formed.

  Therefore, by sliding the diagnostic imaging device A along the longitudinal direction, the light receiving filter 12 can be mounted at a predetermined position immediately below the CCD 3a constituting the imaging means 3 or detached from the front portion 4. It can be done freely. According to this, it is possible to exchange the light receiving filter 12 as a single item and to exchange with another light receiving filter of a different type freely, while maintaining the compactness of the front part 4 while keeping the structure simple and inexpensive. There is an advantage that the light receiving filter 12 can be attached and detached. Needless to say, the filter attaching / detaching means E can also be applied to a filter for irradiation.

  FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b) show another example of the filter attaching / detaching means. The filter attaching / detaching means E in the illustrated example is a release box having a light receiving filter 12 (also applicable to irradiation). It is composed of a cover member 33 in the shape of a letter. In other words, the cover body 33 is composed of a synthetic resin main body 34 formed in a shape just fitted to the front side portion 4 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the light receiving filter 12 mounted on the main body 34. In this case as well, similarly to the above, the light receiving filter 12 can be freely mounted at a predetermined position immediately below the CCD 3a constituting the imaging means 3 or detached from the front part 4. . Therefore, this cover body 33 can be said to be an attachment that constitutes a part of the front part 4. Further, it is very effective to carry out the combination of the attachment / detachment mechanism of the light receiving filter and the selective irradiation of the irradiation light source described in the second embodiment.

  FIGS. 21A and 21B show a diagnostic imaging device A in which the front portion 4 itself is detachably attached to the main body 1. That is, a hollow fitting portion 35 is formed on the root side of the front side portion 4, and a protruding portion 36 that can be fitted inside the fitting portion 35 is formed on the distal end side of the main body 1. A plurality of male electrodes 37 are provided in the fitting portion 35, and a plurality of corresponding female electrodes 38 are provided in the protruding portion 36, respectively.

  Therefore, when the fitting portion 35 and the protruding portion 36 are fitted together, the male and female electrodes 37 and 38 are also connected at the same time, so that the front side portion 4 can be attached to the main body 1 and the fitting portion 35 can be By pulling out, the connection between the male and female electrodes 37 and 38 is also released at the same time, and the front part 4 can be separated from the main body 1. Although not shown, the front part 4 can be further separated into a head part and a base part, and an optical system such as a filter and a mirror and irradiation means are provided in the head part, and a CCD is provided on the base part. At times, it is also possible to replace and use the head part appropriately.

  FIG. 22 shows an example in which the diagnostic photographing device A is configured as a dental contra-angle handpiece in which the front portion 4 is slightly angled with respect to the main body 1. As shown in FIG. 23 (a), the CCD 3a as the image pickup means 3 is disposed inside the center of the circular head portion 39 in the front side portion 4 in plan view, and a light guide ( A lens (which may be an example of the light receiving filter 12) 40 is disposed via an optical unit 42. On the main body 1 side of the lens 40, a light emitting unit 43 provided with an LED (an example of the irradiating means 2) 41 is provided at a slight angle with respect to the optical axis of the lens. In this example, the CCD 3a, the light guide 42, and the lens 40 constitute the imaging unit 3.

  The LED (irradiation means) 41 has a structure in which one horizontally long LED is arranged as shown in FIG. 23B, or two (or three) circular LEDs are arranged as shown in FIG. 23C. (Or more). Further, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, a plurality of smaller LEDs (irradiation means) 44 are arranged around the lens 40 which is a light receiving portion of the imaging means so as to surround the lens 40. But it's fine. In this case, it is convenient to arrange various LEDs 44 such as an infrared LED and a blue LED and to enable various lighting states.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of another shape of the diagnostic photographing device A. As shown in the figure, the diagnostic photographing device A has a shape in which the front side portion 4 does not expand from the base side, but rather becomes tapered. It is configured as In this case, the irradiating means 2 is installed on the main body 1 side and the reflected light reflected by the diagnostic object 14 is used for receiving light with respect to the CCD 3 a as the imaging means 3 provided inside the lower end of the front side portion 4. The optical path of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 2 is arranged at an angle so as to enter the filter 12.

  FIG. 26 shows another example of the filter switching control sequence. The filter switching command signal is synchronized with the input signal of the irradiation unit selection unit, and the light receiving filter 12 (corresponding to the selected irradiation unit) is selected. An example of filter switching means F controlled to switch to (irradiation filter is also applicable) is shown. That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the filter switching means F includes four light source selection switches hs1 to hs4 (corresponding to the irradiation switch 45 and the irradiation light source selection means D), four analog switches sw1 to sw4, The switching control means 30 includes a motor 28 for rotating the four light receiving filters 12 for switching.

  For example, when the second light source selection switch hs2 is manually turned ON, the second analog switch sw2 is turned ON by electric control to turn on the white LED 2a, and the motor 28 is driven to receive the light receiving filter corresponding to the white LED 2a. The switching control means 30 functions so as to set “12”. In this example, the filter switching command signal is output from the light source selection switch, and the switching control means 30 functions as the irradiation light source selection means D.

  By operating the photographing switch 6, a time sequence specified in advance is executed, and each time the irradiation light having a different wavelength is selectively irradiated, the diagnostic images picked up by the image pickup means 3 are sequentially stored and held in the memory 18. The diagnostic imaging device A may include the imaging control means C (refer to FIG. 2 or FIGS. 8, 9). For example, in FIG. 26, the photographing switch 6 connected to the switching control means 30 is provided on the main body 1, the control box H (all shown in FIG. 2), or the foot pedal (not shown). The switching control means 30 is included in the switch control and the filter switching motor control unit 17 including a microcomputer or the like, but may be provided independently.

  Now, when the photographing switch 6 is turned on (or when the main body 1 is stopped for 2 seconds or more), the photographing sequence by the switch control and the filter switching motor control unit 17 (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 8, FIG. 9) is started. You. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, the first analog switch sw1 is turned on for a certain period of time in accordance with the ON operation of the photographing switch 6, and the motor 28 is driven to switch to the corresponding light receiving filter 12. At the same time, the image captured by the infrared LED 2b is stored in the memory 18 (same as above) from the time when the motor 28 is stopped (after the time t1 from the start of turning on the first analog switch sw1) to the time when the first analog switch sw1 is turned off. You.

  Then, after a time t2 from the OFF of the first analog switch sw1, the ON operation of the second analog switch sw2 is started, and similarly, the image captured by the white LED 2a is stored in the memory 18 this time. Thereafter, similarly, an image captured by the ultraviolet LED 1 (2c) and an image captured by the ultraviolet LED 2 (2d) are sequentially captured. In FIG. 27, the description regarding the fourth analog switch sw4 is omitted for simplicity.

  The filter switching command signal is synchronized with the irradiation of the irradiation light source selected in accordance with the photographing sequence from the irradiation light source specified in advance in accordance with the input signal of the photographing switch 6, and the irradiation light source of the irradiation light source corresponding to the photographing sequence. The diagnostic imaging device A may be controlled so that the light receiving filter corresponding to the irradiation can be switched. For example, a mechanism (not shown) for automatically and sequentially turning on the four light source selection switches hs1 to hs4 one by one in FIG. 26 (such as a structure in which the four switches are sequentially switched by an electric motor) is provided. The control box H (both shown in FIG. 2) or a foot pedal (not shown) is provided with a photographing switch 6 connected to the switching control means 30 (see FIG. 16).

  The operation at the time of photographing by the diagnostic photographing device A will be described. First, the microcomputer 17 is operated in accordance with turning on the photographing switch 6, and as shown in FIG. 28, the light source selection switches hs1 to hs4 are set at fixed intervals. Each time the automatic control state is turned on. That is, when the first light source selection switch hs1 is first turned on, the light receiving filter 12 is switched to the infrared LED 2b, and the first analog switch sw1 is turned on, so that the irradiation is performed by the infrared LED 2b. In the same manner, the automatic driving mode is repeated in which the irradiation shooting condition by the white LED 2a, the shooting condition by the ultraviolet LED 1 (2c), and the irradiation shooting condition by the ultraviolet LED 2 (2d) are repeated in this order. Therefore, the image captured in the memory 18 is an image captured by the imaging unit 3 by sequentially using the four types of irradiation light emitting units 2a to 2d. Image processing can be performed between these images and displayed on the monitor M.

  Further, the diagnostic imaging device A may have a blue LED as an irradiating means, and may be configured to be usable as a photopolymerizing irradiator. According to this, by adding a blue LED (light emitting diode) to the light emitting part for irradiation, not only a diagnostic photographing device but also, for example, photopolymerization irradiation for curing a photopolymer resin filled in a tooth. Since it can also be used as a device, it can be a convenient and excellent device that has the function of a therapeutic device while being an imaging device. This makes it possible to carry out the above-mentioned sclerotherapy with one instrument without changing to another instrument while performing diagnostic imaging.

  Various examples of the filter will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 (a) and (b), FIGS. 30 (a) and (b), and FIGS. 31 (a) and (b). FIG. 29 (a) shows that the ring-shaped portion near the irradiation light source (directly below) is a support portion 11s made of transparent glass or synthetic resin, and the center portion near the imaging means (directly below) is 3 shows a disc-shaped filter 11 formed on a light-receiving filter 12. As shown in FIG. 29B, a filter 11 composed of only the light receiving filter 12 may be used. FIG. 30 (a) as an example of the irradiation filter 13 shows that the central portion near (immediately below) the imaging means is disposed on the support material portion 11s made of transparent glass or synthetic resin and on the outer peripheral side thereof. An outer ring-shaped portion near the irradiation light source shows the disc-shaped filter 11 formed on the irradiation filter 13. As shown in FIG. 30B, the filter 11 may include only the ring-shaped irradiation filter 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), a light receiving filter 12 in which a filter member is coated on the surface of the center portion of the disk-shaped support portion 11s, or as shown in FIG. 31 (b), The irradiation filter 13 may be a ring-shaped filter member coated on the surface of the outer peripheral portion of the support portion 11s. Further, the filter 12 for light reception and the filter 13 for irradiation by the coating of FIGS. 31 (a) and 31 (b) may be formed as a composite on one disk-shaped support portion 11s.

  FIG. 32 shows an example in which the irradiation means is detachable. The diagnostic photographing device A shown in the figure is provided with a photographing unit 50 for photographing an object to be imaged on a main body 1 that can be supported by fingers, and this photographing unit 50 has an irradiating unit 2 for irradiating light to the object to be imaged. And a CCD 3a as the image pickup means 3, a light receiving filter 12 (constituting the image pickup means 3) for passing only light of a specific wavelength and sending the light to the CCD 3a, and the irradiation means 2 is attached to and detached from the photographing unit 50. The structure is freely deployed.

  That is, an annular receiving portion 57 that supports the light receiving filter 12 is formed directly below the CCD 3a in the distal end side case 5c, and a pair of receiving electrodes 58 is provided near the periphery of the receiving portion 57 in a depressed state. Have been. An annular support member 53 having a pair of convex electrodes 55 that are in electrical contact with the receiving electrodes 58 is attached to a rubber-made annular mounting member 51 having an inner diameter that can be expanded and contracted and fixed to the distal case 5c. A plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 electrically connected to the pair of convex electrodes 55 are provided on the lower surface side of the annular support member 53. 61 is a lead wire for the irradiation means 2 or the CCD 3a.

  Accordingly, when the support member 53 is fitted and mounted on the annular mounting member 51, each of the convex electrodes 55 comes into contact with the corresponding receiving electrode 58 to be in an electrically conductive state, and the support member 53 is mounted on the annular mounting member 51. By taking it out of the member 51, the conduction state between each convex electrode 55 and the receiving electrode 58 is also cut off. Therefore, if various support members 53 equipped with LEDs 2 of different colors and other irradiation means 2 are prepared in advance, it is possible to easily change and set the irradiation means 2 to different specifications by replacing the support members 53. it can. Although the example in which the light receiving filter 12 is supported has been described, it goes without saying that such a supporting structure can be applied to the irradiation filter.

  FIG. 33 shows an example in which the irradiation means and the filter are integrally detachable. The diagnostic photographing device A shown in the figure has a structure in which an irradiating means (LED) 2 and a light receiving filter 12 are integrally mounted on a photographing unit 50 in a detachable manner. This example also includes a structure in which the light receiving filter 12 is detachably provided in the photographing unit 50. The structure shown in FIG. 33 is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 32 except that the structure of the support member 53 is changed to support both the irradiation means 2 and the light receiving filter 12. It was that. The other configuration is the same as that of the example shown in FIG. 32, and therefore, the common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The support member 53 may be made of rubber, and the light receiving filter 12 may be detachably attached to the support member 53. It goes without saying that this support structure can also be applied to support a filter for irradiation.

  In the diagnostic photographing device A shown in FIG. 33, the irradiating means 2 and the light receiving filter 12 can be mounted on the photographing section 50 in accordance with the mounting of the support member 53 on the annular mounting member 51. The irradiation unit 2 and the light receiving filter 12 can be removed from the imaging unit 50 with the removal from the imaging unit 50. That is, an irradiating means 2 for irradiating light to a diagnosis target on a main body 1 which can be supported by fingers, a CCD 3a as an imaging means 3, and a light-receiving filter for transmitting only light of a specific wavelength to the CCD 3a. 12 is a diagnostic imaging device A in which the irradiating means 2 is detachably provided on the main body 1 together with the light receiving filter 12 (which constitutes a part of the imaging means 3).

  According to this structure, by attaching and detaching the support member 53, the light receiving filter 12 can be easily replaced or the specification can be changed, and the LED 2 (that is, the irradiation unit 2) can be changed and set in any manner. Therefore, since diagnosis can be performed using light of various wavelengths, a more convenient and easy-to-use diagnostic imaging device A can be obtained.

  FIG. 34 shows a diagnostic imaging device having a modification of the distal end case shown in FIG. The diagnostic imaging device A in the illustrated example has an opening 54 that is a light guide path to the CCD (imaging means) 3a and an annular step opening 52 formed around the opening 54 in the distal case 5c. A supporting member 53 having a light receiving filter 12 (which constitutes a part of the imaging means 3) and a plurality of LEDs (irradiating means) 2 arranged around the light receiving filter 12 is simultaneously provided in the step opening 52 at the front end case 5c. It is configured to be detachably mounted from. Although not shown, a pair of terminal electrodes for the LED 2 are provided on the outer periphery of the support member 53 and on the inner periphery of the stepped opening 52 so as to be electrically connected with the attachment of the support member 53 and to be removed. Accordingly, conduction is cut off. The other configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 5, so that the same reference numerals are given to the common parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 35 is a partial cutaway partial longitudinal sectional view showing an example in which the imaging means includes an optical path changing means, and FIG. 36 is a bottom view thereof. In the diagnostic photographing device A shown in the figure, a CCD 3a as an image pickup means 3 is disposed in a front side portion 4 of the main body 1 with its optical axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the main body 1. A mirror (or prism) 81 as an optical path changing means is attached to the inner surface on the distal end side so as to be at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis, and an inner cylindrical portion between the mirror 81 and the CCD 3a is A light guide path 80 for imaging light is provided. The light guide path 80 is provided with a relay lens 82 and a relay lens 83 movable along the optical axis. The mirror 81 and the relay lenses 82 and 83 constitute an optical system for forming an optical image on the CCD 3a. Have been. The imaging means 3 is constituted by the CCD 3a and the optical system.

  A light receiving filter 12 is detachably mounted in the middle of the cylindrical front part 4 and near the front side (front end side) of the relay lens 82. Reference numeral 12a is a cap for preventing the light receiving filter 12 from coming off. Therefore, if various light receiving filters having different wavelength characteristics are prepared, filter replacement for the purpose of diagnosis can be easily performed. A zoom mechanism can be configured by adding an appropriate moving mechanism along the optical axis direction to the relay lens 83. Although the relay lenses 82 and 83 are shown as convex lenses in the drawing, they are not limited to convex lenses, and it goes without saying that any lenses having a function of transmitting an optical image may be used.

  The front side portion 4 is formed with a light entrance opening 84 that opens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and is configured so that the opening 84 and the light guide path 80 communicate with each other. An annular support member 85 in which a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are arranged along the circumferential direction is detachably attached to the periphery of the opening 84. A male receiving electrode 86 corresponding to each of the LEDs 2 is formed on the back surface of the annular support member 85. When the annular support member 85 is mounted on the front part 4, the female supply electrode 87 formed on the front part 4 is formed. It is made to be electrically connected to. The plurality of LEDs 2 are configured by a combination of a plurality of types of LEDs that emit light of different wavelengths as described above, and various diagnostic image information can be obtained by starting emission control based on an appropriate time sequence. Of course, it is also possible to selectively irradiate any one of the plurality of LEDs 2 and selectively mount the light receiving filter 12 having a wavelength characteristic according to the selected LED 2. The fitting connection between the male and female electrodes 86 and 87 constitutes a mechanism for attaching and detaching the annular support member 85, so that the irradiation means 2 can be attached with one touch. In addition, if another annular support member 85 having different types of LEDs 2 is prepared, by exchanging them selectively, more diverse diagnostic image information can be obtained.

  Thus, the light emitted from the irradiating means 2 is radiated to a diagnosis target site such as a tooth, and reflected light or fluorescent light is emitted from the diagnosis target site according to the wavelength characteristic of the diagnosis target site based on the type of the irradiating means 2. Etc. are emitted. The optical image light based on these radiations enters the front part 4 from the opening 84, is reflected at 90 degrees by the mirror 81, passes through the light receiving filter 12, and travels along the light guide path 80 while relaying the relay lens 82. , 83 and is focused on the CCD 3a. The mounting position of the light-receiving filter 12 is not limited to the illustrated example, but may be any position as long as it is on the light guide path 80. In addition, it is needless to say that other connecting means can be adopted in place of the male and female electrodes 86 and 87 by separately providing a means for connecting the electric wire to the irradiation means 2.

  In the above-described usage mode of the diagnostic imaging device A, first, when a normal visible light image is captured, the irradiation light source 2 is a white LED, and the light receiving filter 12 is not provided. Next, when photographing tartar, plaque, or the like, the irradiation unit 2 that emits light having a wavelength of 375 ± 25 nm is set, and the light receiving filter 12 is configured to transmit light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more. Set. As described above, when it is desired to irradiate the excitation light from the irradiating means 2 and obtain a fluorescence image in the CCD 3a, the filter for cutting the irradiated excitation light is used as the light receiving filter 12 to avoid the influence of the excitation light. This is the same as described above. In addition, for photopolymerization, for example, the irradiation unit 2 that emits light having a wavelength of 480 ± 20 nm is set. In this case, since no light is received, no filter is required.

  FIG. 37 shows a modified example of the diagnostic photographing device A employing the above-mentioned optical path changing means. A plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are arranged around the same opening 84 in the front part 4 as described above. The composite filter 11 in which the light receiving filter 12 and the irradiation filter 13 are integrated with each other is removably mounted in the opening 84 while being supported by the support member 88. The irradiation filter 13 is arranged so as to face the light emitting surface of the irradiation means 2, and the light receiving filter 12 is arranged so as to cover the opening 84 in the light guide path 80. Since these filter functions are the same as those described above, their description is omitted.

  As described above, if a configuration is adopted in which an optical image is formed on the CCD 3a via the optical system, it is not necessary to provide the CCD 3a at the distal end of the front part 4, and the mirror 81 and the like are disposed at the distal end. Therefore, the tip side of the front part 4 can be designed to be low in bulk, and the suitability as a dental photographing device used by being inserted into the oral cavity is increased, and its practical value is extremely large. .

  FIG. 38 illustrates an example in which the imaging unit includes an optical path changing unit as in the fifteenth embodiment, and the front part 4 is separable into a head unit 4a and a base unit 4b. Common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. That is, a mirror (or prism) 81 as an optical path changing means is attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical head portion 4a at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis. A CCD 3a is provided in the base 4b. When the head 4a and the base 4b are connected via a connecting means 90 described later, an inner cylinder between the mirror 81 and the CCD 3a serves as a guide for imaging light. The optical path 80 is set.

  A relay lens 82 is provided in the head 4a along the light guide path 80, and a relay lens 83 movable along the optical axis is provided in the base 4b. The mirror 81 and the relay lenses 82, 83 An optical system for forming an optical image on the imaging unit 3 is configured. A light-entering opening 84 is formed in the head portion 4a and opens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The light-guiding path 80 and the opening 84 communicate with each other. A light receiving filter 12 is mounted near the front side (tip side) of the relay lens 82.

  A plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are spaced along the circumferential direction around the opening 84. Lead wires 91a embedded in the wall of the head portion 4a are connected to the respective LEDs 2, and these lead wires 91a are connected to male electrodes 91 projecting from the end face of the head portion 4a on the base 4b side. I have. On the other hand, on the end face of the base 4b on the side of the head 4a, female electrodes 92 are recessed corresponding to the male electrodes 91, and these female electrodes 92 are embedded in the wall of the base 4b. It is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) in the main body 1 through the lead wires 92a.

  A coupling means 90 between the head portion 4a and the base portion 4b is formed by the fitting relationship between the male electrodes 91 and the female electrodes 92, and an electrical junction between the two electrodes is formed. Therefore, the attachment / detachment to / from the base 4b is easily performed by manual operation of the head 4a. As a result, the male electrodes 91 and the female electrodes 92 are electrically connected, and power is supplied from the power supply unit to the LEDs 2 by appropriate operation of the switches, so that these LEDs emit light.

  In the above-described configuration, if various head units 4a in which various light receiving filters 12 having different wavelength characteristics are combined with various LEDs 2 having different emission characteristics are prepared, these head units 4a can be connected by coupling means. By appropriately selecting and mounting the base unit 4b via the base 90, multi-faceted diagnostic imaging can be performed according to the state of the diagnosis target or the purpose of diagnosis.

  That is, if the LED 2 is a white LED and the head unit 4a without the light receiving filter 12 (including simple glass) is used, a visible light image can be obtained by the reflected light from the diagnostic object. If the head section 4a equipped with the light receiving filter 12 for cutting off the excitation light is used, a clear fluorescent image of the diagnosis target can be obtained. Furthermore, if the LED 2 is an infrared LED and the head unit 4a equipped with the light receiving filter 12 that allows only the reflected light from the diagnosis target site by the irradiated infrared light is used, a clear infrared reflected image can be obtained. In this case, since a reflection image is obtained, the light receiving filter is not necessary in principle. However, when strong sunlight enters the imaging unit 3, the infrared reflection image is masked by the sunlight. The light receiving filter 12 may be required.

  In addition, a plurality of LEDs 2 having different light emission characteristics are attached to one head unit 4a so that light emission can be appropriately controlled, and a plurality of light receiving filters 12 having different wavelength characteristics can be replaced. Various diagnostic image information can be obtained according to the state of the part and the purpose of diagnosis. The diagnostic imaging device A of the present embodiment is notable in that in addition to the effects of the diagnostic imaging device A of the fifteenth embodiment, more diverse diagnostic image information can be obtained. In addition, it goes without saying that the attachment / detachment mechanism of the irradiation unit 2 and the attachment / detachment mechanism of the composite filter 11 in the fifteenth embodiment can be adopted in the present embodiment. Further, it goes without saying that the mechanism, the control system, and the like of each of the above embodiments can be selectively applied to the diagnostic imaging device A of the fifteenth and sixteenth embodiments.

  FIGS. 39 to 41 show examples of a dental mirror type diagnostic imaging device. The diagnostic imaging device A of the illustrated example has a frame 72 attached to the tip of a support rod 71 gripped by fingers. An LED (irradiation means) 2, a CCD (imaging means) 3a, and a light receiving filter 12 are arranged to form a compact dental mirror type. The frame body 72 includes a circular bottom wall 72a, a cylindrical outer wall 72b, and a cylindrical partition wall 72c. Four LEDs 2 are arranged between the outer wall 72b and the partition wall 72c. The CCD 3a is arranged inside 72c.

  The four LEDs 2 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the CCD 3a every 90 degrees, and are covered by an annular transparent glass 73 provided between the outer peripheral wall 72b and the partition wall 72c. A disc-shaped light receiving filter 12 for the CCD 3a is provided inside the partition wall 72c so as to serve also as a cover. As described above, since the diagnostic imaging device A is very compact, it is possible to easily and conveniently photograph an object to be diagnosed (imaging target) such as the oral cavity with the same operation as using a dental mirror. . Note that a part of the transparent glass 73 may be used as a filter for irradiation.

  As the outer shape of the diagnostic imaging device A described above, other than the configuration (FIGS. 1 to 5) in which the imaging unit 3 and the irradiation unit 2 are orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body 1 or the bent type configuration in which the imaging unit 3 and the irradiation unit 2 are angled. Alternatively, a linear configuration in which an imaging unit and a light source for irradiation are provided at the distal end in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body (actually 6-30163) may be used. Further, the control box H shown in FIG. 2 may be configured as a mobile phone or an ultra-compact one having such display functions and control functions, and a diagnostic imaging device connected to the main body 1 is also possible. is there.

  The irradiating means 2 may be any means that irradiates at least one of excitation light (preferably excitation light of a single wavelength), infrared light, and ultraviolet light, and may be an LED, a laser oscillator (He-Ne laser). , A krypton laser, a dye laser, or the like) or a halogen lamp. Further, a wavelength switching type LED or laser oscillator may be used. Examples of the wavelength switching type laser oscillator (semiconductor laser) include, for example, JP-A-6-112589 and JP-A-2002-125982. What has been disclosed is known. The LED and the laser oscillator may have not only infrared, near-infrared, ultraviolet, and near-ultraviolet, but also those having red, orange, purple, blue, and green regions that are visible light regions.

  In this diagnostic imaging device A, in addition to the image obtained by the white light source, the imaging device A is excited by irradiating the reflected light generated from the imaging target or the excitation light, which is obtained by using a highly permeable infrared light or the like. By receiving the fluorescence, it is possible to detect caries and initial caries, observe the degree of caries, check the progress of caries, and photograph and diagnose changes in teeth and gingiva. It is possible to diagnose the presence / absence of tartar, the state of adhesion of tartar, the state of attachment of a restoration, etc., and to provide what can be used as a solid-state imaging device for intraoral observation and diagnostics as a small, low-cost, easy-to-handle and convenient device. be able to. In other words, the imaging unit can receive the reflected light and / or the fluorescence generated by the excitation light that is irradiated from the diagnosis target by the irradiation unit and form a predetermined diagnostic image. It is an extremely useful tool that can quickly and easily know the condition of eclipse and gingiva, and can make an accurate diagnosis even though it is a compact camera-type imaging device.

It is a top view showing an example of a diagnostic photographing device of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the imaging device for diagnosis. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 4. It is an enlarged bottom view of the same main body tip side part. It is a partial longitudinal cutout front view of the same side part. It is a figure which shows an example of the photography image of the tooth in an oral cavity. It is an action figure showing a diagnostic situation in an oral cavity by a diagnostic photographing device. It is a block diagram showing the whole system using a cordless type diagnostic photographing machine. It is a block diagram which shows the whole system using the cable-type diagnostic imaging device and the personal computer. It is a figure showing an irradiation time chart of each light emitting source. It is a figure which shows the comparison graph of the radiation intensity of a carious tooth and a healthy tooth by irradiation of excitation light. It is a figure which shows the relative fluorescence intensity graph of a carious tooth and a healthy tooth by excitation light irradiation. It is a control block diagram which shows an example of the switching structure of an irradiation light source. It is a bottom view which shows another structure of a filter switching means. It is sectional drawing of the principal part which shows another structure of a filter switching means. FIG. 16 is a side view of FIG. 15 and a block diagram of automatic filter switching means. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram in which a light source and a filter are automatically set by operating an irradiation switch. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a synchronous time chart of light source selection and filter switching. FIG. 3A is a front view of a partially cut-away portion of a distal end portion, FIG. 4B is a side view of a partially cut-away portion, and FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of a rail groove. 4A and 4B show a detachable structure of a filter portion, wherein FIG. 4A is a bottom view of a cover body, and FIG. FIG. 3A is a side view of the distal end side of the photographing device, and FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of a separated state. It is a side view which shows the imaging device for another Example field diagnosis. 23A and 23B show the distal end structure of FIG. 22, wherein FIG. 22A is a side view and FIG. 22B is a partial bottom view. 22A and 22B show another structure of the distal end portion in FIG. 22, where FIG. 22A is a side view and FIG. 22B is a partial bottom view. It is a whole side view which shows the diagnostic imaging device of another Example. It is a control block diagram showing another example of the switching structure of the irradiation light source. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a time chart of a shooting sequence accompanying a shooting switch operation. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a synchronization time chart of a plurality of light source selections and a plurality of filter switching. (A), (b) is a perspective view showing a typical example of a light receiving filter. (A), (b) is a perspective view showing a typical example of a light source filter. (A) is a perspective view showing a light receiving filter formed by coating, and (b) is a perspective view showing a light source filter formed by coating. It is sectional drawing of the imaging | photography part of an irradiation means detachable structure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging unit having a structure in which an irradiation unit and a filter are integrated and detachable. It is sectional drawing of the imaging | photography part of another structure by which the irradiation means and the filter were integrally detachable. FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway partial longitudinal sectional view of a diagnostic photographing device employing an optical path changing unit. It is the same bottom view. It is a figure showing the important section of the modification. FIG. 36 is a view similar to FIG. 35 of another embodiment of a diagnostic photographing device employing an optical path changing means. It is a side view of a notch partially of a dental mirror type diagnostic imaging device. FIG. 38 is a plan view of relevant parts of the diagnostic photographing device of FIG. 37. FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the diagnostic photographing device of FIG. 37.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Irradiation means 3 Imaging means, CCD
Reference Signs List 4 front side part 4a head part 4b base part 6 photographing switch 7 light source selection switch 12 light receiving filter 13 irradiation filter 14 diagnosis target 16 automatic sequence photographing switch 18 memory 25 cover body 28 motor 30 switching control means 31 rail groove 81 mirror (optical path) Change means)
90 coupling means 91, 92 male and female electrical joints B image storage means C automatic photographing control means E filter attaching / detaching means F filter switching means D irradiation light source selecting means

Claims (34)

  A main body that can be supported by fingers, excitation light, irradiating means for irradiating light of one or more specific wavelengths of infrared light and ultraviolet light, and imaging means provided at a front portion of the main body. The imaging means comprises a solid-state imaging device and optical means for forming an optical image of a diagnosis target on the solid-state imaging device, and when light from the irradiation unit is irradiated on the diagnosis target, A diagnostic imaging device that receives reflected light reflected from the diagnosis target and / or fluorescence generated from the diagnosis target and outputs predetermined diagnostic image information. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 1,
A diagnostic imaging device further comprising an irradiating means for irradiating white light.   A body that can be supported by a finger, irradiation means for irradiating one or more lights of excitation light, infrared light and ultraviolet light, and imaging means provided on a front portion of the body; Means for receiving light emitted from the diagnostic object when the light from the irradiating means irradiates the diagnostic object, and outputting predetermined diagnostic image information; and An optical device for forming an optical image of a diagnosis target on an imaging device, the optical device including an optical path changing unit for changing an optical path of light emitted from the diagnosis target, for diagnostic use. Camera. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 3,
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front portion is separable into a head unit including an optical path changing unit and a base unit including the solid-state imaging device.   A body that can be supported by fingers, an irradiation unit that irradiates one or more of excitation light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and white light, and an imaging unit that is provided on a front portion of the body. The imaging means, when the light from the irradiating means is irradiated on the diagnosis target, receives light emitted from the diagnosis target, and outputs predetermined diagnostic image information, and includes a solid-state imaging device. An optical unit for forming an optical image of a diagnosis target on the solid-state imaging device, the optical unit includes an optical path changing unit that changes an optical path of light emitted from the diagnosis target, A diagnostic imaging device, wherein a portion is separable into a head unit including an optical path changing unit and a base unit including the solid-state imaging device. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front portion includes a detachable attachment forming a part of the front portion, and the optical unit or the irradiating unit is attached to the attachment. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 6,
A diagnostic imaging device, wherein the optical means is a light receiving filter. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A diagnostic photographing device, characterized in that a light-receiving filter that allows only light in a specific wavelength range to pass is provided in proximity to a light-receiving section of the imaging means. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A diagnostic imaging device, wherein the irradiating means comprises one of an LED, a laser oscillator, and a halogen lamp. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 9,
A diagnostic imaging device wherein the LED and the laser oscillator can switch the wavelength of emitted light. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 4 or 5,
The diagnostic imaging apparatus, wherein the head portion of the front portion includes an irradiation unit and / or a light-receiving filter that allows only light in a specific wavelength range to pass. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 8 to 11,
The diagnostic photographing device, wherein the irradiating means is attached to the front portion. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the front portion is formed detachably with respect to the main body. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, or 12,
The diagnostic photographing device, wherein the light receiving filter is attached to the front portion. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The diagnostic device, wherein the irradiating means includes a light emitting unit, and an irradiation filter disposed close to the light emitting unit and passing only light in a specific wavelength range of light emitted from the light emitting unit. Camera. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 4 or 5,
The head section is provided with the irradiating means, and the separable function in the front side portion is performed by coupling means for detachably attaching the head section and the base to each other. A diagnostic photographing device characterized in that an electric junction for supplying power is interposed. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 8 to 16,
A diagnostic photographing device, comprising: a filter attaching / detaching means for detachably attaching the light receiving filter to a front portion of the main body. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 8 to 16,
A filter unit having a plurality of types of light receiving filters is attached to a front portion of the main body via filter switching means for selectively switching and positioning these light receiving filters to predetermined positions. Characteristic diagnostic imaging device. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 17,
The diagnostic photographing device, wherein the filter attaching / detaching means is constituted by a rail groove that allows the light receiving filter to be detachable by sliding. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 17,
The diagnostic photographing device, wherein the filter attaching / detaching means has the light receiving filter, and is constituted by a cover body which can be attached to and detached from the front portion. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 18,
The filter unit includes the plurality of types of light receiving filters around an axis of an axis parallel to or orthogonal to an optical axis direction of the imaging unit or the irradiation unit, and is rotatable around the axis. A diagnostic photographing device characterized by being mounted so as to be as follows. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 21,
A motor for driving and rotating the filter unit around the axis; and a switch for selectively switching the light-receiving filter to a predetermined position by driving and controlling the motor based on a filter switching command signal. A diagnostic photographing device comprising a switching control means. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 22,
A diagnostic imaging device, wherein the filter switching command signal is controlled in synchronization with an irradiation signal of the irradiation unit. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
A diagnostic imaging device, wherein a plurality of the irradiating units are arranged around a light receiving unit of the imaging unit. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 24,
The irradiating unit includes a plurality of light emitting units that emit light having different wavelengths from each other, and an irradiation driving unit for selectively driving one or a plurality of light emitting units out of the plurality of light emitting units is provided. Diagnostic imaging device characterized by the following. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 25,
The diagnostic photographing device, wherein the irradiation driving means is configured to perform irradiation driving for selectively emitting the plurality of light emitting units by time division control. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 25,
24. A diagnosis, wherein the filter switching command signal according to claim 22 or 23 is synchronized with an input signal of the irradiation driving unit, and is controlled so as to switch to a light receiving filter corresponding to a selected light emitting unit. Camera. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 27,
An image capturing device for diagnostics, comprising: an image storage device for recording and storing diagnostic image information captured by the image capturing device as a still image in the main body, the control box, or the foot pedal. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 27 or 28,
A diagnostic photographing device, wherein the irradiation driving means includes a light source selection switch provided on the main body, control box, or foot pedal. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 29,
The image storage means executes a time sequence specified in advance by operating a photographing switch, and each time selectively irradiating irradiation light having a different wavelength, a diagnostic image captured by the imaging means is sequentially stored in a memory. A diagnostic photographing device comprising automatic photographing control means for storing and storing. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 27,
The main body, the control box, or the foot pedal is provided with an image storage unit for recording and storing a diagnostic image taken by the imaging unit as a still image, and the image storage unit is specified in advance by operating a shooting switch. The automatic imaging control means for sequentially storing and holding the diagnostic images captured by the imaging in a memory each time the time sequence is executed and the selective irradiation of the irradiation light having a different wavelength is performed,
The filter switching command signal is synchronized with the irradiation of the irradiation unit selected in accordance with the photographing sequence from the irradiation light source specified in advance according to the input signal of the photographing switch, and the irradiation of the irradiation unit corresponding to the photographing sequence. A diagnostic imaging device characterized in that a light receiving filter corresponding to the above can be switched. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 31,
A diagnostic photographing device comprising a power supply and a wireless transmitter inside the main body, wherein the diagnostic image information obtained by the imaging means can be transmitted cordlessly to an external receiving device. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 32,
A diagnostic imaging apparatus, wherein the irradiating unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light having a wavelength suitable for curing the photopolymerized resin. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 6 to 33,
The light emitted from the irradiating means has a wavelength of 400 ± 30 nm, and the light receiving filter provided in close proximity to the light receiving section of the imaging means passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more. A diagnostic imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned.

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