JP2005168520A - Photography device for diagnosis - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact and handy photography device for diagnosis which is suitable to take a picture of a subject of diagnosis existing in a narrow place in the oral cavity, can identify not only a surface situation but also an inner situation of a region near to a surface layer of the subject of diagnosis and is not easily influenced by the disturbing light. <P>SOLUTION: In the photography device for diagnosis A, a pointed head section 4 of a main body 1 which is freely held by the fingers are equipped with an irradiation means 2 to irradiate a subject of photography with light, an image pickup means 3, and a light receiving filter 12 which permits the light with a specific wavelength to pass and transmits the same to the image pickup means 3, wherein a light receiving slit 41 at the pointed head section 4 is equipped with a shading member 42 which prevents an invasion of the light from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to diagnosis of dental caries, defect, crack, lesion, dental calculus or plaque, root canal, gingiva, cheek, tongue lesion in the oral cavity, or otolaryngology. The present invention relates to a diagnostic imaging apparatus used to diagnose a region, a rectum tumor, and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technology that enables diagnosis of not only the surface condition of a diagnostic object such as a tooth but also the internal condition close to the surface to some extent. In addition, it is not limited to use only by doctors, and it is also suitable as a diagnostic camera for home use that can be used for checking the appearance of teeth, caries, and the adhesion status of tartar and plaque at home. .

For example, a diagnostic imaging device for diagnosing the inside of the oral cavity needs to be put in the mouth and operated, so that the imaging means portion must be configured compactly. In other words, conventionally, such a diagnostic imaging device has a light source that irradiates light to a diagnostic object, a CCD imaging means, and the like arranged in a very small size at the tip of a main body held and supported by fingers. For example, the structure shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-047092 Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-073531 JP 09-189659 A

  The intraoral imaging apparatus according to the prior 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 white LEDs are used as illumination light. It is possible to take an image while brightly illuminating the inside of the oral cavity, and has an advantage that it is possible to easily take an image of a desired portion in a narrow oral cavity.

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

  The prior art described in Patent Document 2 is a device that irradiates teeth with excitation light of 360 to 580 nm and detects fluorescence of 620 nm emitted from the carious portion, as shown in (a) to (c) below. There was a serious problem. That is, (a) a light guide for irradiating the teeth with light is necessary. (B) Although it is possible to determine whether a specific part is caries or healthy, only detection information obtained when irradiation with excitation light of a specific wavelength can be obtained. It cannot be used for explanation. In other words, it was a detection of a local carious site, and it was not possible to obtain image information that could determine the relative caries status in the whole tooth image. (C) Image processing using a plurality of images such as a visible light image and an excitation light image cannot be performed.

  The prior art described in Patent Document 3 discloses a diagnostic device that detects fluorescence of 670 to 800 nm by using excitation light of 600 to 670 nm to detect caries, dental plaque, bacterial infection, and the like. In addition to the above problems (b) and (c), there were also the following defects (d) and (e). That is, (d) various types of irradiation light such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light cannot be irradiated by one apparatus, and naturally, a plurality of irradiation lights cannot be irradiated at the same time. Irradiation with irradiation light is also impossible. (E) There is no suggestion of a technical idea that the main mechanisms such as the irradiation unit, the filter, and the image input unit are arranged in a compact manner in a head so as to be compact. In addition, it has been pointed out that the above-described conventional diagnostic devices are generally easily affected by room lighting or ambient light such as sunlight, and it is difficult to obtain clear diagnostic image information. Further, in Patent Documents 1 to 3, standard photographing in which photographing at the same place is taken from the same position and angle cannot be performed. In addition, these conventional techniques cannot perform standard photographing using irradiation light having different wavelengths.

  As described above, there is a lot of room for improvement in any of the conventional technologies, there is no X-ray exposure, it is easy to handle, and the internal conditions such as teeth are timely grasped and diagnosed. A device that can be used has been desired. Therefore, the object of the present invention has been made in view of the above, and is suitable for photographing a diagnosis target existing in a narrow location such as in the oral cavity, and not only the adhesion status such as tartar and plaque on the tooth surface. In addition, it is possible to recognize the state of caries inside the part close to the surface layer to be diagnosed as clear image information, and to make a diagnostic imaging device that is not easily affected by ambient light compact with no X-ray exposure. It is in providing as easy to handle.

  The diagnostic imaging device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a main body that can be supported by fingers, irradiation means for irradiating at least one of excitation light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and white light, and the main body. An imaging means mounted on the front side portion of the imaging device, the imaging means receiving a light emitted from the diagnostic object when the light from the irradiation means is irradiated on the diagnostic object, and a predetermined diagnostic image Outputting information, comprising a solid-state imaging device and optical means for forming an optical image of a diagnostic target on the solid-state imaging device, and emitting light emitted from the front side portion and a diagnostic target The light entrance / exit part for entering light from the light source is characterized in that a light shielding member for preventing the entry of light from the outside is mounted. Here, the solid-state imaging device means a CCD, a MOS, or the like. In addition, “preventing intrusion of light from the outside” here refers to not only preventing the ingress of all external light but also external light to the extent that it does not affect the diagnostic image information from the diagnostic object based on the irradiation of the irradiation means. It also means a concept that includes preventing the entry of

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to the first aspect, a light receiving filter that allows only light in a specific wavelength region to pass is provided close to the light receiving portion of the imaging means. .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to the first or second aspect, the front side portion includes a detachable attachment that forms a part of the front side portion and includes the light inlet / outlet portion. The optical means or irradiation means is attached to the attachment. The optical means here is preferably a light receiving filter as in the invention of claim 4.

  And as said irradiation means, it shall consist of either LED, a laser oscillator, and a halogen lamp like invention of Claim 5, or said LED and laser oscillator like invention of Claim 6 It is assumed that the wavelength of the emitted light can be switched. Further, as in the invention of claim 7, the light emitting portion and the light emitted from the light emitting portion are disposed close to the light emitting portion. It is possible to comprise an irradiation filter that passes only light in the specific wavelength region. Here, the laser oscillator includes a semiconductor laser or a solid-state laser. Further, when the LED or laser oscillator that emits light of a single wavelength, or the LED or laser oscillator itself as in the invention of claim 6 has a function of switching the wavelength of the emitted light, It is not necessary to provide an irradiation filter that allows only the light to pass through.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the optical means includes an optical path changing means (for example, a mirror or a prism) that changes an optical path of light emitted from the diagnostic object when the light from the irradiation means is irradiated on the diagnostic object. Further, the front side portion may be separable into a head portion including the optical path changing means and a base portion including the solid-state imaging device as in the invention of claim 9. .

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the irradiation means is provided on the head portion side, and the separable function in the front side portion is performed by a coupling means for making the head portion and the base portion detachable from each other. The means is characterized in that an electrical junction for supplying power to the irradiation means is interposed.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the front portion is formed to be detachable from the main body.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the irradiating means, the optical means, and the light shielding member are used singly or in combination of at least two or more. And these are integrated, and it is attached to the said light entrance / exit part so that attachment or detachment is possible. The integral relationship here means that two or more of the irradiation means, the optical means, and the light shielding member are appropriately combined with and detached from the light entrance / exit part, but these can be separated from each other. Means a concept that also includes

  And as said light shielding member, what was comprised as follows is desirably employ | adopted. That is, the invention of claim 13 is characterized in that the light shielding member is made of a soft elastic cylindrical member such as rubber. The cylindrical shape here, the mounting base end is the same shape as the light entrance and exit portion, and is formed directly in the optical axis direction as it is, or is formed in a prior diameter expansion shape, Furthermore, what was formed in the prior diameter reduction shape is included.

  The invention of claim 14 is characterized in that the light shielding member is made of a non-translucent member, and the invention of claim 15 is characterized in that its inner wall surface is a light reflecting surface. The light reflecting surface can be formed by a mirror finishing process as in the invention of claim 16.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, a plurality of the irradiation means are arranged around the light receiving portion of the imaging means. The invention according to claim 18 is the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein 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 irradiating any one or a plurality of light emitting units is provided. The irradiation driving means may be configured to perform irradiation driving for selectively emitting light from the plurality of light emitting units by time-division control, as in the nineteenth aspect of the invention.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the 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. An image storage means for saving is provided. And the said irradiation drive means can include the light source selection switch with which the said main body, the control box, or the foot pedal was equipped like invention of Claim 21. Further, as in the invention of claim 22, the image storage means executes the time sequence specified in advance by operating a photographing switch, and each time the irradiation light with different wavelengths is selectively irradiated, the imaging It is possible to include automatic photographing control means for sequentially storing and holding the diagnostic images picked up by the means in the memory.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to twenty-second aspects, a power source and a wireless transmitter are provided inside the main body, and diagnostic image information from the imaging means is cordlessly transmitted to an external receiving device. It is possible to transmit.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the first to twenty-third aspects, the irradiation unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light having a wavelength suitable for curing of the photopolymerization resin. To do.

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of the second to twenty-fourth aspects, the wavelength of light emitted from the irradiation unit is 400 ± 30 nm, and the light receiving unit of the imaging unit The filter provided in the vicinity is characterized by passing only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the fluorescence generated by the reflected light and / or excitation light emitted from the diagnostic object based on the irradiation of the irradiation unit can be received by the imaging unit, and predetermined diagnostic image information can be obtained. Scars on the tooth surface, surface and internal caries, calculus, plaque, and gingiva can be immediately and easily known, and an accurate diagnosis can be made while using a compact diagnostic camera. By adopting a solid-state imaging device (CCD or MOS) and an optical means for forming an optical image to be diagnosed on the solid-state imaging device as imaging means, good captured image information can be obtained at low cost. Moreover, it can be acquired quickly. In addition, it can be provided as a compact, low-cost, easy-to-handle and convenient product, and since it can be commercialized in a compact, inexpensive and safe manner, the specification with limited functions is optimal for home use.

  In addition, a light shielding member for preventing light from entering from the outside is attached to the light entrance / exit portion for the light exit / exit of the irradiation light and the light entrance from the diagnosis target. By using the member in close proximity to or in contact with the site to be diagnosed, the influence of so-called disturbance light such as room lighting or sunlight is avoided, and diagnostic image information by the imaging means becomes extremely clear. In particular, since a weak fluorescent image from a diagnosis target by irradiation with excitation light can be identified, it is effective for diagnosis of initial dental caries, for example. Furthermore, if the light-shielding member is used so as to be applied to the site to be diagnosed, it can be positioned and more accurate diagnostic image information can be obtained.

  Further, since the irradiating means can irradiate one or more of excitation light, infrared light, ultraviolet light and white light, the light of a specific wavelength and white light can be irradiated simultaneously. In addition, it is possible to irradiate only the white light by the irradiating means and receive the reflected light using a glass that does not pass through the light receiving filter or pass only the visible light as the light receiving filter. On the other hand, if light of a specific wavelength is selectively irradiated, an image (fluorescence image or the like) corresponding to the wavelength characteristic of the diagnosis target can be obtained. This makes it easier to see where the lesion is in the visible light image by comparing the visible light image and the image such as the fluorescent image, or by overlaying the visible light image and the image such as the fluorescent image. In addition, it is possible to obtain image information that can be easily shown to the patient and can be accurately diagnosed while communicating with the patient.

  In addition, as long as the imaging means has a wide spectral characteristic capable of imaging light with a wavelength of, for example, 300 to 800 nm, it is possible to capture a fluorescent region, and a wide range of imaging from ultraviolet light to infrared light including visible light is possible. Needless to say, you can. Of course, when special fluorescence detection is required, an image pickup means having a wide spectral characteristic dedicated to a wider range than the above wavelength range may be selected.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since general reflected light from the object to be diagnosed and fluorescence in a specific wavelength range can be guided to the imaging means through the light receiving filter, the excitation light is reliably cut for diagnosis. As a result, a clear and useful image can be obtained. In particular, when the irradiation light from the irradiation means is excitation light, if this excitation light directly enters the imaging means, the fluorescence image from the diagnostic object is greatly affected, so the wavelength of 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 close to the imaging means, that is, in accordance with a required optical path toward the imaging means, can be used, and the light receiving filter can be configured compactly. .

  According to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of detachable attachments that form a part of the front side portion and include the light entrance / exit portion are prepared, and various light receiving filters having different wavelength characteristics and light emission characteristics are provided for each attachment, By attaching irradiation means and selectively attaching / detaching these attachments as appropriate, it is possible to apply a suitable light receiving filter or irradiation means according to the state of the diagnosis object and the purpose of diagnosis. Information can be easily acquired.

  According to the invention of claim 5, a fluorescent image, an ultraviolet light image, an infrared light image, etc. of a diagnosis object such as a tooth can be obtained by arbitrary selection of various light emitting units. A diagnostic image is obtained. Since the LED is small, light, and low power, it can be easily attached to the tip, and an LED having a required wavelength characteristic can be selected and used at low cost. On the other hand, since the laser oscillator has a strong light intensity, a clear fluorescent image can be obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 6, since an LED (light emitting diode) or a laser oscillator capable of switching the wavelength of the irradiation light is used, it is not necessary to use many different irradiation means, and one kind or a minimum kind This arrangement of the irradiating means is sufficient, and an irradiating filter that allows only light of a specific wavelength to pass through is not particularly required, thereby improving the size and weight of the diagnostic imaging device and the operability.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the irradiation filter is arranged near the light emitting portion, that is, in a place where the spread of the irradiation light is still small, the irradiation filter can be made compact, and the irradiation filter Through this, it is possible to reliably irradiate irradiation light having a wavelength suitable for diagnostic symmetry. 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 eighth and ninth aspects of the present invention, the front side portion can be separated into the head portion including the optical path changing means and the base portion including the solid-state imaging device, which is convenient for cleaning and maintenance of the head portion. Yes, if an irradiating means is provided on the head portion side as in the invention of claim 10 and an electric junction for supplying power to the irradiating means is interposed in the coupling means, different types of irradiating means are provided. It is easy to replace and use the provided head part as appropriate, and various diagnostic image information corresponding to the state of the diagnosis target can be obtained. The diagnostic image information here is a visible image by reflected light from a diagnostic target part based on irradiation of white light, a fluorescent image by fluorescence from a diagnostic target part based on irradiation of excitation light, or a diagnostic target based on irradiation of infrared light The diagnostic image information obtained by appropriately replacing and using the head portion, such as an infrared image by reflection from a part, can be utilized as extremely useful information in diagnosing a diagnosis target.

  Further, as the optical means for forming an optical image on the solid-state image pickup device, the optical path changing means disposed in the head portion of the front side portion is adopted, so that the head portion of the front side portion is like a solid-state image pickup device. There are no bulky parts, the thickness can be reduced, and in the case of a dental imaging device used in the oral cavity, its suitability is dramatically improved.

  According to the invention of claim 11, since the main body is basically made common and only the front side portion of the main body can be replaced and used according to the diagnostic purpose and the diagnostic object, it is rich in versatility and convenient.

  According to the invention of claim 12, since the irradiating means, the optical means or the light shielding member is detachably attached to the light entrance / exit part, various diagnostic images according to the diagnostic purpose can be obtained by appropriately attaching them. Information can be obtained, or it is extremely convenient for maintenance of devices such as disinfection and sterilization. And as one aspect of this claim, when the irradiation means such as LED is detachably attached to the light entrance / exit part, the irradiation means is compact in the front side portion of the main body directly without using the light guide or the like. In addition, it is possible to provide a diagnostic imaging apparatus that can be arranged efficiently, can reduce excessive diffusion of light as much as possible, can also reduce unevenness in illumination as much as possible, and can operate efficiently. Furthermore, by appropriately selecting and mounting irradiation means having different light emission characteristics, appropriate diagnostic image information corresponding to the state of the diagnosis target or the purpose of diagnosis can be obtained.

  In addition, when the light receiving filter as the optical means is detachably attached to the light entrance / exit part, by appropriately selecting and mounting the light receiving filter having different wavelength characteristics, it can be used for the diagnosis target state or diagnostic purpose. Appropriate diagnostic image information can be obtained. In particular, when it is desired to irradiate excitation light to a diagnostic object and take a fluorescent image from the diagnostic object, if a light receiving filter having a wavelength characteristic that allows fluorescence to pass but does not pass excitation light is used, Clear fluorescence image information can be obtained without being affected. Therefore, if the irradiating means and the light receiving filter are made detachable in an integrated relationship, a pair of the irradiating means and the light receiving filter in which the light emission characteristics and the wavelength characteristics are appropriately combined in advance is prepared, and these are integrated. Therefore, the diagnostic image information can be acquired more accurately and efficiently.

  Further, if the light shielding member is detachably attached to the light entrance / exit part, it is convenient for maintenance such as disinfection and cleaning of the light shielding member, and the light shielding member and the irradiation means or the light shielding member and the light receiving filter are integrated with each other. If the light entrance / exit part is detachable, the irradiation means or the light receiving filter can be changed to an appropriate one at the same time as the operation of attaching / detaching the light shielding member, and the efficiency of the work of acquiring diagnostic image information can be improved. It is done. In addition, if the irradiating means, the light receiving filter, and the light shielding member are made detachable with respect to the light inlet / outlet portion in an integrated relationship, the diagnostic image information acquisition operation can be made more efficient.

  According to the invention of claim 13, since the light shielding member is made of a soft elastic cylindrical member such as rubber, even if it is used so that the light shielding member is closely applied to the surface of the tooth or the like, it does not give the patient a feeling of fear. In addition, the tooth surface and surrounding tissues are not damaged, and the entry of the ambient light can be effectively prevented, and clear diagnostic image information can be obtained. Further, if the light shielding member is made of a non-translucent member as in the invention of claim 14, it is further effective in preventing the intrusion of disturbance light, and the reflected light, fluorescence, etc. from the diagnostic object are further reduced. It does not leak out. Further, as in the invention of claim 15 or 16, if the inner wall surface of the light shielding member is a light reflecting surface, and this reflecting surface is formed by a mirror finishing process, the reflected light, fluorescence, etc. The leakage is effectively prevented and the diagnostic light can be imaged on the imaging means without waste.

  According to the invention of claim 17, even if the relative angle and position between the diagnostic object and the light receiving unit of the imaging means are variously changed, the light of the irradiation means is accurately applied to the diagnostic object, and the reflected light or the like is applied. Input to the imaging means can be ensured without causing a shadow. As a result, the imaging means and the irradiating means can be compactly collected in the front side portion of the main body, and the imaging can be reliably performed in any situation, and the diagnostic reliability can be improved.

  According to the invention of claim 18, since the irradiating means includes a plurality of light emitting units that generate different wavelengths, a light emitting unit having an arbitrary wavelength (including a white light emitting unit) is selected and irradiated. (Basic usage method) In addition to irradiating light of different wavelengths from this light emitting unit at the same time (simultaneous irradiation), or sequentially irradiating light of different wavelengths in time division, obtain image information of the diagnosis target can do. Further, there is no trouble and troublesome to replace the light emitting section, and it is convenient that a desired light emitting section can be freely selected and set. Furthermore, if an irradiating means according to the purpose of diagnosis is provided, a plurality of images such as a fluorescent image and an infrared image can be obtained at the same photographing position. Accordingly, it becomes easy to display a plurality of images taken at the same shooting position using different light emitting units and light receiving filters, or to display them in duplicate. The light emitting unit is selected 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 of different functions (wavelengths) such as infrared LEDs and ultraviolet LEDs. . That is, since different types of illumination functions are installed, it is possible to irradiate simultaneously or to irradiate in a time-sharing manner. As a result, when the image is not a still image but a moving image, various images can be automatically switched and displayed on the monitor depending on the irradiation light from the light emitting unit.

  In addition, as in the nineteenth aspect of the invention, if the irradiation drive for selectively emitting light from the plurality of light emitting units is performed by time-sharing control, the difference between the images for each time or the average is taken. By superimposing, an error or the like is canceled or the status of the affected part can be easily grasped, and an image with higher accuracy can be obtained. Furthermore, if time-division control is performed at extremely short time intervals, and these time-division images are appropriately linked and image-processed and displayed on a monitor, an image like a moving image can be obtained, which is easy for the patient to understand. It can be image data for explanation.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, if there is a location required during the diagnosis, the still image of the diagnosis target site that is required can be easily recorded and stored by the function of the image storage means.

  According to the invention of claim 26, the irradiation means can be switched by operating the light source selection switch by operating the fingers supporting the photographing device body, operating the control box, or stepping on the foot pedal. Since it can also be operated, it can be made excellent in operability.

  According to the invention of claim 22, by operating the photographing switch, diagnostic images having different properties can be automatically obtained, and different image information having diagnostic value can be obtained in a short time without the influence of camera shake. Can be obtained. Further, if arithmetic processing is performed between these images, the feature extraction of the lesioned part can be easily performed, and a blur-free image can be obtained. In this claim, each time the content of the obtained image is changed, a still image can be recorded and stored in the image storage means, and each time a different image 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 a still image of at least two screens corresponding to each excitation light may be provided, and the image may be overwritten as a still image each time it is switched sequentially.

  If a white LED and an ultraviolet LED are mounted, a normal reflected image by the white LED and a fluorescent image excited by the ultraviolet LED can be obtained as a still image, and then image processing is performed by the image processing means. It is also possible. That is, when the patient is explained, a white LED is selected to obtain a normal reflected image (visible light image), and when the lesion is confirmed, the irradiation means is switched to the ultraviolet LED, and the light receiving portion of the imaging means is appropriately received. By attaching a partial filter, such diagnostic image information can be easily obtained.

  Thus, according to the invention of claims 18 to 22, for example, the reflected image is acquired and stored by the imaging means through the glass that irradiates the diagnosis target with white LED and passes the visible region as a filter, At the next moment, the fluorescence image emitted from the diagnostic object by irradiating the excitation light is acquired and stored through a dedicated light receiving filter, and if this combination is automatically executed 20 times per second, A normal image is displayed on the half and a fluorescent image is displayed on the right half, or both images are superimposed. Furthermore, only the lesioned part of the fluorescent image is cut out and the portion is superimposed on the normal image. An image can be obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 23, since it can be configured as a cordless type photographing device which does not need to drag the lead wire, it becomes very convenient and easy to use in handling and diagnostic work.

  According to the invention of claim 24, by adding a light emitting part (for example, blue LED) having a wavelength suitable for curing of the photopolymerization resin to the irradiation means, it is not only a diagnostic imaging apparatus but also, for example, a dental prosthesis. Since it can also be used as a photopolymerization irradiator of resin, it can be a convenient and excellent one having a function of a dental treatment device while being a photographing device. Thereby, the curing treatment of the prosthetic resin can be performed with one instrument without changing to another instrument by the irradiation light from the blue LED as the irradiation means.

  According to the invention of claim 25, for example, when light (excitation light) having a wavelength of 400 ± 30 nm is irradiated from the irradiation means to the carious portion, calculus, or tooth having plaque, the carious portion, calculus, or tooth The plaque emits its unique fluorescence. Here, since a light receiving filter that passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more (does not pass light of 400 ± 30 nm) is attached in the vicinity of the light receiving portion of the imaging means, irradiation excitation light directed directly to the imaging means or Irradiation excitation light reflected and directed is blocked by the light receiving filter, and the excitation light does not enter the imaging means. Accordingly, a clear image by the fluorescence can be obtained, and image information extremely useful for caries diagnosis can be provided. In addition, when using irradiation light of 400 ± 30 nm, a filter having a wavelength of 430 nm or more may be basically used as a filter characteristic. Experiments have also demonstrated that light having wavelengths near 635 nm and 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 device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the main body, FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a front side portion of the main body, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the light shielding member, and FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway front view of the front side portion. A diagnostic imaging device A in the figure includes a dental handpiece-shaped main body 1 that can be supported by fingers, and irradiation means 2 that emits one or more of excitation light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and white light. (Light emitting portions 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. A light inlet / outlet portion 41 that opens in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body 1 is formed at the distal end side of the front side portion 4, and the light inlet / outlet portion 41 is used to prevent intrusion of light from the outside. A light blocking member 42 is attached.

  This diagnostic imaging device A is suitable mainly for diagnosis of dental caries, defect, crack, lesion, tartar, plaque, biofilm adhesion degree, etc. in the oral cavity. In addition, the lesion inside the surface of the tooth can be recognized by photographing the internal condition of the surface of the tooth (approx. 1 mm from the surface). If the cordless specification is used, the control box H (see FIG. 2) is cordless. A signal can be transmitted to and a photographed image can be printed out and taken out. It is also possible to provide a zoom mechanism for zooming in and zooming out and an autofocus function.

  The main body 1 comprises a casing 5 made of a synthetic resin material consisting of three parts, an upper case 5a, a lower case 5b, and a front end side case 5c, and the lower case 5b is fixed to the upper case 5a with four screws 10. It is. The casing 5 is formed with a front side portion 4 having a shape in which the main body 1 portion is relatively thick and once squeezed so that the tip end side becomes thinner, and then bulges left and right 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 the light receiving filter 12 for the image pickup means 3 is connected to the light inlet / outlet portion 41. The light shielding member 42 is mounted so as to surround the light receiving filter 12. In addition, 5r is a reinforcing rib integrally formed inside each case 5a-5c.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the front end side case 5c is fitted with a tongue piece 20 formed on the base side inside the lower case 5b, and a hook piece 22 formed on the vertical wall portion 21 on the front end side. The upper case 5a is mounted by being fitted into engaging portions 23 formed at corresponding locations. When removing, the front end side of the front end side case 5c is moved away from the upper case 5a to release the hooking piece 22 from the engaging portion 23, and then the front end side case 5c is moved away from the lower case 5b (FIG. 5). To the left).

  Since the light receiving filter 12 is mounted on the front end side case 5c detachably attached to the main body 1, if a different front end side case 5c having a different type of light receiving filter 12 is prepared, the front end side case 5c is prepared. By changing 5c, it can be easily replaced with a different light receiving filter. In FIG. 6, the irradiation unit 2 is attached to the upper case 5 a together with the imaging unit 3. However, the irradiation unit 2 may be attached to the front end side case 5 c and replaced with the light receiving filter 12 for each front end side case. In this case, an electrical contact for supplying electricity to the irradiating means may be configured to be separable.

  The main body 1 is provided with a photographing switch (related to image storage means for obtaining a still image) 6, a light source selection switch 7, an image selection switch 15, and an automatic sequence photographing switch 16 in a state of being 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, the imaging unit 3, and the like, and information captured by the imaging unit 3 are transmitted to the control box H. A wireless transmitter 9 and a microcomputer 17 are built in. That is, the diagnostic imaging device A is configured as a cordless type that is easy to operate without drawing a lead wire. If the cordless type is not used, 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 irradiation unit (light emitting unit) 2, and a light receiving filter 12 are arranged in the front side portion 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 is irradiated onto a diagnostic target such as a tooth, the imaging unit 3 is reflected from the diagnostic target. The reflected light and / or excitation light that is irradiated onto the diagnostic object is received to take a predetermined diagnostic image, and is arranged at the center position of the front portion 4 in the vertical direction. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the irradiating means 2 includes a white LED (light emitting diode) 2a, an infrared LED (light emitting diode that emits infrared light) 2b, and an ultraviolet LED (light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light) 2c as light emitting units. Each of the three types of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) is composed of two LEDs, and a total of six LEDs are arranged around the optical axis of the CCD 3a at almost equal angles so as to be rotationally symmetric. Thereby, it is set as the structure which can irradiate a tooth | gear with the light from the irradiation means 2 directly. The LEDs 2a, 2b, and 2c (light emitting units) are disposed to face each other at a distance of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with the CCD 3a as the center. However, the combination of the arrangement state and the light source for irradiation is not limited.

  The irradiation means 2 may be any one that irradiates one or more of excitation light (preferably single wavelength excitation light), infrared light, ultraviolet light, and white light. A semiconductor laser such as a Ne laser, a krypton laser, or a dye laser or a solid-state laser) or a halogen lamp may be used. The irradiation 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. The one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 125982 is known. When a laser oscillator is used, it is necessary to guide the light from the laser oscillation part in the main body to the tip irradiation port of the front side 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, ultraviolet light and near ultraviolet light that are effective as excitation light can be obtained at low cost if a commercially available LED having a wavelength of around 405 nm or around 400 ± 30 nm is used. At this time, the light receiving filter 12 may be selected so that only light having a wavelength longer than 430 nm passes (cuts excitation light around 405 nm or around 400 ± 30 nm). Alternatively, a notch filter that cuts only excitation light may be used. Further, the wavelength of the laser light emitting the excitation light may be around 635 nm or around 780 nm as described above. In this case, it goes without saying that a filter that cuts light having a wavelength around 635 nm or around 780 nm should be used as the light receiving filter 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the light receiving filter 12 is attached to the light inlet / outlet portion 41 in the front end side case 5 c by fitting, and has a size that covers the lower side of the CCD 3 a and the six LEDs 2 a to 2 c. It is configured in a substantially circular plate shape. The light receiving filter 12 allows only light in a specific wavelength range to pass through the light receiving unit of the imaging unit 3, but the peripheral part 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 part is made to be an irradiation filter that passes only light in a specific wavelength region out of the light from the irradiation means 2 and irradiates the object to be diagnosed, or both of the light receiving filter and the irradiation filter. It is also possible to provide a composite filter having a function. In this example, the light receiving portion of the image pickup means 3 indicates a portion between the upper and lower sides of the light receiving filter 12 and the CCD 3 a in the front side portion 4. It is used as a concept to indicate. By the way, as shown above, the light receiving filter 12 shown in the figure has a structure in which only light in a specific wavelength region is allowed to pass through the light receiving part of the imaging means 3 and the light from the irradiating means 2 is allowed to pass through the peripheral part. However, as the peripheral portion, a glass or other material (space is also acceptable) that allows the irradiated light to pass through can be used here. Moreover, 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 this. Incidentally, as the CCD 3a, a commercially available one constructed by integrating optical means (not shown) such as a lens for forming an optical image on the CCD element unit is applied as it is. Does not exclude other things. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  The light shielding member 42 is made of a soft elastic cylindrical member such as rubber, and is formed in a preceding diameter-expanded shape in the examples of FIGS. The base portion 42a on the small diameter side is configured to be externally fitted and attached with elastic deformation to a mounting portion 41a having a different diameter step formed on the outer periphery of the opening of the light entrance / exit portion 41. The inner wall surface of the light shielding member 42 is a light reflecting surface 42b formed by a mirror finishing process.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a use state of the diagnostic imaging device A. As shown in the figure, the diagnostic imaging device A inserts the front portion 4 into the oral cavity and inserts a tooth 14 as a diagnostic object. The teeth 14 can be diagnosed by bringing the light-shielding member 42 close to, or in contact with, or applied to the surface of the image pickup device 3, and the imaging means 3 is displayed on the monitor screen M (both see FIG. 2) connected to the control box H. Diagnosis can be performed while taking an image taken by the camera. Then, if there is a region of interest, by operating the shooting switch 6 while shooting the location, the still image at that location is stored in the main body 1 or the memory 18 of the control box H, and is controlled as necessary. Printing can be performed by a printer (not shown) connected to the box H. In the diagnostic imaging device A, it is possible to directly irradiate the teeth 14 with irradiation light from the irradiation means 2.

  Photographing a tooth with dental calculus, dental plaque, or carious part (lesioned part) with excitation light having a wavelength of 400 nm and attaching a light receiving filter that passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more to the light receiving part of the imaging means Then, these lesions in the diagnostic image are visualized in orange to orange. FIG. 7 shows a printout image of the tooth 14 photographed by the diagnostic photographing device A. If it is irradiation with excitation light, although not as much as irradiation with white light, the whole tooth can be observed, and the lesioned part (fluorescent part) is visually recognized in orange or orange in the image. In FIG. 7, the imaginary line part is a lesion part. Since the fluorescence emitted from such a lesion is generally weak light, it is buried in these lights under indoor illumination light or sunlight. Therefore, if the disturbance light is shielded by the light shielding member, the influence of the disturbance light can be eliminated, and the fluorescent image can be clearly captured by the imaging means, and the situation of the affected part can be accurately recognized by the captured image.

  In addition, only a fluorescent image due to fluorescence generated by the irradiation of excitation light (a portion depicted by a virtual line) is superimposed and displayed on a visible light image (a portion depicted by a solid line) by the irradiation light in the visible light region. Thus, if the two images are formed into a composite image in an overlapped state, FIG. 7 becomes an image having more diagnostic value, and is optimal for explanation for the patient. A cylindrical light shielding member 42 is attached to the light entrance / exit portion 41, and the light shielding member 42 is operated so as to be applied to the surface of the tooth 14. Incident light is blocked by the light blocking member 42, and only the reflected light or fluorescence from the teeth 14 due to the irradiation of the irradiation unit 2 is received by the imaging unit 3, that is, the CCD 3a. Therefore, the obtained reflected light image or fluorescent image becomes clearer without being affected by disturbance light. Further, since the inner wall surface of the light shielding member 42 is a reflecting surface 42b by mirror finishing, the incident light of disturbance light is not blocked, but the reflected light or fluorescence scattering emission from the teeth 14 is suppressed, Light is received efficiently by the CCD 3a.

  According to this, on the visible light image of the tooth surface portion photographed by visible light, the calculus, plaque or caries (caries) of the internal portion close to the surface layer revealed by fluorescence that is difficult to see in the visible light image Etc. are clearly visible, and it can be seen at a glance where the calculus, plaque, caries (cavities), etc. are located. In FIG. 7, the visible light image and the fluorescence image are superimposed, but each of these images can be displayed individually and used for diagnosis. However, in the fluorescence image, the caries (caries) etc. can be clearly seen, but the tooth image itself is not clear, while the visible light image has a clear tooth outline, so by superimposing both these images, The deficient portions of both images are compensated, and high-quality diagnostic image information with clear tooth outlines and clear calculus, dental plaque, caries (caries), etc. is obtained. Details of the system and principle for obtaining such an image will be described later.

  Here, an example of the overall system configuration including the diagnostic imaging device A will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the system is roughly divided into a main body 1, a control box H, and a display unit M, and the main body 1 and the control box. Signal exchange with H is performed wirelessly (cordless) between the transmitter 9 and the receiver 46. In addition, since each component is clearly shown in FIG. 9, 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 source switching control unit corresponding to the irradiation light source selection means D (described later), and a signal from the CCD as a video signal. A video circuit for conversion is installed. In the control box H, in addition to the receiver 46, a command operation unit (portion corresponding to the various switches 6, 7, 15 and 16), a control unit, an image processing unit, and an image storage unit corresponding to the memory 18 (image storage means) ), Power supply is installed. A display unit M such as a liquid crystal screen and a power supply unit (such as an outlet connected to a commercial power source) are connected to the control box H.

  Next, FIG. 10 shows an example of the overall configuration of a wired system including the diagnostic imaging device A using the personal computer pc. The main body 1 in this case is the same as that shown in FIG. 9 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. 9) and a power supply unit. The personal computer pc is equipped with a control unit, an image processing unit, an image storage unit corresponding to the memory 18, and a power supply unit. A display unit M and a power supply unit are connected to the personal computer pc.

  The imaging diagnostic device A configured as described above can have various imaging modes as will be described later, and is mounted on the image processing unit (in the control box H in FIG. 9 and in the personal computer pc in FIG. 10). In other words, it is possible to take differences between various images, create duplicate images, and store them in the image storage unit.

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

  The image selection switch 15 is used to select a desired diagnostic image from among diagnostic images that are captured by operating the imaging switch 6 and stored in the memory 18. That is, each time the image selection switch 15 is pressed, the selected diagnostic images are sequentially switched one by one. Accordingly, by continuously pressing the image selection switch 15 while looking at the monitor screen M, a desired diagnostic image can be easily picked up from among 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 actuating the automatic photographing control means C (described later). When the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 is not operated, the above-described light source selection switch 7 functions. When the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 is operated (ON operation), the function of the light source selection switch 7 is canceled and the automatic photographing control means C is activated. That is, the image storage means B (to be described later) causes the imaging means 3 to execute the time sequence specified in advance by operating the automatic sequence photographing switch 16 and selectively drive the irradiation light having different wavelengths. Automatic imaging control means C for sequentially storing and holding captured diagnostic images in the memory 18 is provided. The image storage means B and the automatic photographing control means C including the memory 18 are provided in the microcomputer 17.

  That is, when the automatic sequence shooting switch 16 is turned ON, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 11, the cycle in which the white, infrared, and ultraviolet LEDs 2a to 2c are irradiated for a time t3 at an interval of time t2 is repeated. Then, after time t1 from the start of irradiation of the LEDs 2a to 2c, an operation for storing an image captured by the imaging unit 3 in the memory 18 is started, and the storage operation is completed simultaneously with the end of the LED irradiation. As a result, a captured image obtained by irradiating only the white LED 2a, a captured image obtained by irradiating only the infrared LED 2b, and a captured image (normal reflection image, fluorescent image) obtained by irradiating only the ultraviolet LED 2c are continuously stored in a very short time. Can be made.

  The automatic photographing control means C may be configured to automatically start the control without operating the photographing switch 6. For example, when the diagnostic imaging device A is moved to a desired location in the oral cavity and then stopped for a predetermined time (eg, 1 to 2 seconds), the stop is detected for a predetermined time (position sensor, shaking detection sensor, etc. It is possible to use an operation sequence in which shooting starts automatically by using the

  In FIG. 7, as described above, a captured image (portion drawn with a virtual line) generated by excitation light irradiation is superimposed on a captured image (portion drawn with a solid line) with irradiation light in the visible light region. An example of printing out a composite image in such a state is shown. The principle of obtaining such an image will be described. When the irradiation light (including excitation light) of the LED 2 is applied to the tooth 14 to be diagnosed, the fluorescence generated from the tooth 14 is received thereby, and a predetermined diagnostic image is taken. The fluorescence wavelength differs between the case and the case of a carious tooth. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, in the case of irradiation light with a wavelength of 406 nm, in the case of a healthy tooth, the radiation intensity I tends to decrease gradually as the fluorescence wavelength increases. In this case, the radiation intensity I with respect to the fluorescence wavelength exhibits a fluorescence spectrum having peaks at three locations (636 nm, 673 nm, and 700 nm). Further, according to experiments, it has been confirmed that orange to orange fluorescence is also emitted. Needless to say, the images in FIG. 7 can be displayed as individual images without being superimposed.

  Therefore, if only the fluorescent image portions with the wavelengths of these peaks are displayed, the carious enamel image portion can be specified. If a fluorescent image is displayed according to the fluorescence intensity, only the carious portion can be displayed while the entire tooth is shown. If excitation light and white light are irradiated in a pulse form (see FIG. 11), both a fluorescent image and a visible light image by white light can be obtained, and even a fluorescent image can be recognized by the whole tooth, but is not clear. If the outline portion of the fluorescent part is cut out and extracted, and this and the visible light image by white light are combined and displayed by the central control unit 17, as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a photographed image having clinical value. In order to obtain these fluorescent images, a light receiving filter 12 that allows only the fluorescent image to pass through is selectively used. Moreover, you may use not only an outline part but the whole fluorescence image area | region for a synthesis | combination.

  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 passed through the light receiving part of the imaging means 3 (wavelength is 430 nm). If the light-receiving filter 12 is attached and the image pickup means 3 picks up the image of the fluorescence emitted from the caramelized enamel, the excitation light from the irradiation means 2 having a strong influence is picked up. Fluorescent images based on extremely clear caries are obtained without entering the means 3. The part to which tartar or plaque is attached can be detected in the same manner.

  In general, healthy teeth (healthy enamel), caries, and caries as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 by comparing the graphs of the irradiation light with wavelengths of 406 nm and 488 nm (fluorescence intensity comparison graph). In the case of a tooth that has been carved (carious enamel), if the wavelength of the excitation light to be irradiated is different, the intensity of the generated fluorescence for each wavelength also changes.

  As the irradiation means 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 those infrared images are detected by the image pickup means 3 by selecting a light receiving filter, near infrared rays have better transmission characteristics than visible light, so that the inside of the 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 of tartar, the gap between the restoration and the tooth, and the like. Moreover, in the fluorescence image by ultraviolet light, it is easy to diagnose the fluorescence image by caries. Therefore, the optimum diagnosis can be performed by appropriately using these different wavelength irradiation means and light receiving filters (or irradiation filters depending on the type of irradiation means) depending on the purpose of diagnosis, or by using overlapping images. . Although the above shows an example in which only the infrared image is detected by the imaging means by irradiating the infrared LED and selecting the light receiving filter, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the irradiation light source selection means D (corresponding to the light source selection switch 7 in FIG. 1). That is, the light source selection means D for irradiation includes four types of light emitting units (a plurality of light emitting units that irradiate light having different wavelengths) 2a to 2d, which are composed of LEDs, infrared light, white light, ultraviolet light 1 and ultraviolet light 2. The irradiating means 2 is configured to selectively drive one (or a plurality) of the light emitting units 2a to 2d among the plurality of light emitting units 2a to 2d. It is configured to include 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 selected as the third light source. The ultraviolet light 1LED2c can be activated by turning on the switch hs3, and the ultraviolet light 2LED2d can be activated by turning on the fourth light source selection switch hs4. Any type of irradiation light can be selected in this manner. Naturally, the obtained diagnostic image is a diagnostic image having different properties depending on the irradiation light and the filter.

  FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C show an example of the filter attaching / detaching means. The filter attaching / detaching means E shown in FIG. 15 is configured to slide the light receiving filter 12 as a single unit made of glass or plastic by sliding. A rail groove 31 is formed in the front portion 4 so as to be removable and attachable. That is, a pair of raised portions 32 are formed on the bottom surface side of the front end side case 5c (which constitutes a part of the front portion 4), and the end portions of the plate-shaped light receiving filter 12 are fitted to the raised portions 32. A concave rail groove 31 is formed. The light receiving filter 12 is detachably attached to the opening of the light inlet / outlet portion 41 by pinching and pulling the knob 33 formed at the end of the light receiving filter 12 into the rail groove 31. Further, the lower end of the raised portion 32 is provided with a mounting portion 41a having a different diameter step similar to the above, and a light shielding member 42 made of a soft elastic cylindrical member such as rubber is attached to the mounting portion 41a. The base portion 42a is elastically deformed and is externally fitted. Further, as described above, the inner wall surface of the light shielding member 42 is a light reflecting surface 42b formed by mirror finishing.

  Therefore, the light receiving filter 12 can be mounted at a predetermined position directly below the CCD 3a constituting the imaging means 3 or detached from the front side portion 4 by sliding movement along the longitudinal direction of the diagnostic imaging device A. It is made freely. According to this, it is possible to replace the light receiving filter 12 alone or to another light receiving filter of a different type, while having a simple structure at low cost, and maintaining the compactness of the front side portion 4, There is an advantage that the light receiving filter 12 can be attached and detached. Needless to say, the filter attaching / detaching means E here can also be applied to a filter for irradiation.

  16A and 16B show a diagnostic imaging device A in which the front side portion 4 itself is configured to be detachable from the main body 1. That is, a hollow fitting portion 35 is formed on the base side of the front portion 4, and a protruding portion 36 that can be fitted in 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.

  Therefore, when the fitting part 35 and the projecting part 36 are fitted, the male and female electrodes 37 and 38 are simultaneously connected to each other so that the front part 4 can be attached to the main body 1 and power can be supplied to the front part. If the fitting part 35 is extracted from the protrusion part 36, the male and female electrodes 37, 38 are simultaneously disconnected from each other, and the front part 4 can be separated from the main body 1. Although not shown in the figure, the front side portion 4 can be further separated into a head portion and a base portion, an optical system such as a filter and a mirror and irradiation means are provided on the head portion, and a CCD is provided on the base portion side for diagnosis. Sometimes it is possible to replace the head part as appropriate.

  FIG. 17 shows an example in which the diagnostic imaging device A is configured in the shape of a dental contra-angle handpiece in which the front side portion 4 is slightly angled with respect to the main body 1. The CCD 3a as the image pickup means 3 is disposed inside at the center of the circular head portion 39 in plan view in the front side portion 4, and the light receiving / filtering portion 41 is mounted with the light receiving filter 12 and the same light shielding member 42 as described above. A plurality of LEDs as the irradiating means 2 are arranged behind the light receiving filter 12 at a position surrounding the CCD 3a when viewed from the optical axis direction of the CCD 3a. In this case, it is convenient to arrange various LEDs 2 such as infrared LEDs and blue LEDs and to enable various lighting states.

  Various examples of the filter will be described with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, FIGS. 19A and 19B, and FIGS. 20A and 20B. In FIG. 18A, the ring-shaped portion near the irradiation light source (directly below) is on the support material portion 11s made of transparent glass or synthetic resin, and the central portion near the imaging means (directly below) is The disk-shaped filter 11 formed in the light receiving filter 12 is shown. As shown in FIG. 18B, a filter 11 including only the light receiving filter 12 may be used. In FIG. 19A as an example of the irradiation filter 13, the central portion near (directly below) the imaging means is disposed on the support material portion 11 s made of transparent glass or synthetic resin and on the outer peripheral side thereof. A disk-shaped filter 11 in which an outer ring-shaped portion in the vicinity of the irradiation light source is formed on the irradiation filter 13 is shown. As shown in FIG. 19B, a filter 11 composed only of the ring-shaped irradiation filter 13 may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), a light receiving filter 12 in which a filter member is coated on the surface of the central portion of the disc-like support portion 11s, or a disc-like shape as shown in FIG. 20 (b). An irradiation filter 13 in which the surface of the outer peripheral portion of the support portion 11s is coated with a filter member in a ring shape may be used. Further, the light receiving filter 12 and the irradiation filter 13 by the coating shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B may be formed in a composite manner on one disk-shaped support portion 11s.

  FIG. 21 shows a diagnostic imaging device provided with a modification of the tip side case shown in FIG. The diagnostic imaging device A in the illustrated example has a light entrance / exit 41 that is a light guide path to a CCD (which constitutes the imaging means 3) 3a on a distal end case 5c (a detachable attachment that forms part of the front portion 4). And an annular step opening 52 formed around the opening 54, the light receiving filter 12 and a plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) arranged around the light receiving filter 12. ) 2 is provided so as to be detachable. Although not shown, a pair of terminal electrodes for the LED 2 are provided on the outer periphery of the support member 53 and the inner periphery of the step opening 52 so as to be electrically connected with the mounting of the support member 53 and removed. Continuing is interrupted. Since other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of the diagnostic imaging device A in which the light shielding member 42 and the irradiation means 2 are integrated, and the front side portion 4 is detachable. FIG. 23 (a) shows the light shielding member 42. FIG. 23B is a perspective view as seen from the bottom side. That is, the CCD 3a constituting the image pickup means 3 is installed in the front side portion 4, and the light receiving filter 12 is provided in the opening 54 (the light entrance / exit portion 41) of the front end side case 5c so as to face the CCD 3a. It is installed. Further, in the base 42a on the small diameter side of the light shielding member 42 similar to the above, four LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are substantially arranged in the circumferential direction via an annular support member 42c having a light guide hole 42d in the center. Installed at regular intervals. A convex electrode 55 is formed for each LED 2 on the back surface of the annular support member 42c. On the other hand, a receiving electrode 58 is installed in the front side portion 4 at a position facing the convex electrode 55. When the light shielding member 42 is elastically deformed from the base portion 42a and attached to the portion 41a, the electrodes 55 and 58 are electrically connected. Reference numeral 61 denotes a lead wire for supplying power to the LED 2 or the CCD 3a.

  The diagnostic imaging device A of the present embodiment is used so that the light shielding member 42 is applied to a diagnostic object such as a tooth as described above, and the reflected light or fluorescence of the diagnostic object due to the irradiation light from the LED 2 is transmitted from the light guide hole 42d. The light passes through the light receiving filter 12, is received by the CCD 3a, and diagnostic image information such as a visible light image and a fluorescent image is output. In the case of this embodiment, if various LEDs 2 having different light emission characteristics are attached to the plurality of light shielding members 42, the diagnostic image information corresponding to the state of the diagnosis object and the diagnostic purpose can be obtained by appropriately attaching the various light shielding members 42. Can be obtained.

  When the distal side case 5c is configured as a detachable attachment with respect to the main body 1, a plurality of distal side cases 5c are prepared for each of the plurality of light receiving filters 12 having different wavelength characteristics, and according to the same diagnostic purpose as described above. The tip side case may be selected and attached as appropriate. However, when the tip case 5c is fixed, the light receiving filter 12 itself can be detachably attached to the opening 54. .

  FIG. 24 shows an example of the diagnostic imaging device A in which the light shielding member 42 and the light receiving filter 12 are integrated, and the front side portion 4 is detachable. That is, in the front side portion 4, a plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are arranged so that the CCD 3 a constituting the imaging means 3 faces the light entrance / exit part 41 and surrounds the periphery thereof. Each is arranged. On the other hand, the light receiving filter 12 (the portion through which the irradiated light is transmitted is simply glass or space) is attached in the base 42a on the small diameter side of the light shielding member 42 similar to the above. The base portion 42a is elastically deformed and detachably fitted to the mounting portion 41a.

  In the case of this embodiment, the light shielding member 42 and the light receiving filter 12 are integrated with each other and are detachable from the front side portion 4. If a plurality of light shielding members 42 are prepared, various diagnostic image information can be obtained by appropriately selecting and mounting the light shielding members 42 according to the purpose of diagnosis, as described above. Since other configurations are the same as described above, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  In FIG. 25, the light receiving filter 12 and the LED (irradiation means) 2 are integrated with each other, and can be attached to and detached from the light inlet / outlet portion (opening portion 54) 41 of the front side portion 4 via a cylindrical mounting member 42e. Further, an example of the diagnostic imaging device A in which the light shielding member 42 is detachably attached to the mounting member 42e is shown. That is, in the front side portion 4, a CCD 3 a that constitutes the imaging means 3 is disposed in the center of the front side portion 4 so as to face the light entrance / exit portion 41. The cylindrical mounting member 42e is provided with an outward flange 42f on the distal end side, and an optical inlet / outlet with its inner cylindrical portion coaxial with the optical axis of the CCD 3a via an attaching / detaching means (for example, a screwing means). It is attached to the part 41.

  The light receiving filter 12 is fitted to the inner periphery on the front end side of the mounting member 42e, and a plurality of LEDs 2 are mounted on the board surface of the outward flange 42f at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Convex electrodes 55 are formed for the respective LEDs 2 on the back panel surface of the outward flange portion 42f. On the other hand, in the front side portion 4, receiving electrodes 58 are disposed at positions facing these convex electrodes 55. When the light entry / exit portion 41 is mounted on the attachment member 42e, the electrodes 55 and 58 are electrically connected. Further, the same light shielding member 42 as described above is elastically deformed at its base portion 42a, and is detachably fitted to the outer peripheral edge of the outward flange 42f.

  In this embodiment, if a plurality of combinations of LEDs 2 having different light emission characteristics and light receiving filters 12 having different wavelength characteristics are prepared, they can be selectively attached according to the condition of the diagnosis target and the purpose of diagnosis. A variety of diagnostic image information can be obtained. Further, since the light shielding member 42 is detachable independently, it is convenient that only the light shielding member 42 can be removed and used for sterilization. Since other configurations are the same as described above, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 26 shows the diagnostic imaging device A in which the light receiving filter 12, the LED (irradiation means) 2, and the light shielding member 42 are integrated, and can be attached to and detached from the light inlet / outlet portion (opening 54) 41 of the front side portion 4. This is an example. That is, a CCD 3a constituting the image pickup means 3 is installed in the front side portion 4, and an annular shape having a light guide hole 42d in the center in the base 42a on the small diameter side of the light shielding member 42 similar to the above. A support member 42c is supported via a step portion 42g formed on the inner surface of the base portion 42a, and a plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are attached to the annular support member 42c at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The light receiving hole 12d is fitted with a light receiving filter 12 so as to face the CCD 3a. Further, a convex electrode 55 is formed for each LED 2 on the back surface of the annular support member 42c, while a receiving electrode 58 is disposed in the front side portion 4 at a position facing the convex electrode 55. When the light shielding member 42 is externally fitted to the mounting portion 41a by elastic deformation of the base portion 42a, the electrodes 55 and 58 are electrically connected.

  In this embodiment, the annular support member 42c is supported by the stepped portion 42g, and the light shielding member 42 is elastically deformed by attaching the base portion 42a to the mounting portion 41a. It is used for the same use. The light shielding member 42 is detached from the mounting portion 41a together with the annular support member 42c. The annular support member 42c can be further detached from the stepped portion 42g of the light shielding member 42. Accordingly, if a plurality of kinds of annular support members 42c are prepared by combining various light receiving filters 12 having different wavelength characteristics and various LEDs 2 having different light emission characteristics, it is possible to selectively use the annular support member 42c. Various diagnostic image information corresponding to the state of the diagnosis target and the purpose of diagnosis can be obtained. Further, the light shielding member 42 can be sterilized and sterilized individually, which is convenient. Since other configurations are the same as described above, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 27 is a partially cutaway partial longitudinal sectional view showing an example in which the imaging means includes an optical path changing means, and FIG. 28 is a bottom view thereof. In the diagnostic imaging device A in the figure, a CCD 3 a as an imaging means 3 is disposed in the front side portion 4 of the main body 1 with its optical axis 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 front end side so as to have an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis, and an inner cylinder portion between the mirror 81 and the CCD 3a is The imaging light guide path 80 is used. 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. Has been. The CCD 3a and the optical system constitute the image pickup means 3.

  A light receiving filter 12 is detachably mounted in the middle of the cylindrical front side portion 4 and in the vicinity of the front side (tip side) of the relay lens 82. Reference numeral 12 a denotes a cap that prevents the light receiving filter 12 from coming off. Therefore, if various light receiving filters having different wavelength characteristics are prepared, the filter can be easily replaced according to the purpose of diagnosis. If an appropriate moving mechanism along the optical axis direction is added to the relay lens 83, a zoom mechanism is configured. Although the relay lenses 82 and 83 are shown as convex lenses in the drawing, it is not limited to convex lenses, and it goes without saying that any lens may be used as long as it has a function of transmitting an optical image.

  The front portion 4 is formed with a light entrance opening (light entrance / exit section 41) 84 that opens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and the opening 84 and the light guide path 80 communicate with each other. It is configured. A plurality of (four in the illustrated example) LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are attached to the peripheral portion of the opening 84, and each of these LEDs 2 is a lead wire (not connected) embedded in the cylindrical wall of the front side portion 4. Are connected to a power source unit and a switch mechanism (both not shown) through the cylindrical wall of the main body 1. The plurality of LEDs 2 can be constituted 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 activation light emission control based on these appropriate time sequences. Further, by making the LED 2 detachable as in the above embodiment and selectively exchanging them, it is possible to obtain more multifaceted diagnostic image information.

  The light entrance / exit part 41 is formed with a different-diameter step-like attachment part 41a similar to the above, and a cylindrical light-shielding member 42 made of an elastic material such as rubber is formed on the attachment part 41a. It is elastically deformed and is externally fitted. In addition, since the structure of the light shielding member 42 is the same as the above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a common part and the description is omitted.

  In the diagnostic imaging device A of this embodiment, the front opening of the light shielding member 42 is applied to a diagnosis target part such as a tooth, and the light emitted from the irradiation unit 2 is irradiated to the diagnosis target part, and the irradiation unit Reflected light, fluorescence, or the like is radiated from the diagnostic target part in accordance with the wavelength characteristics of the diagnostic target part based on the two types. Optical image light based on these radiations enters the front side portion 4 from the opening 84, is reflected by the mirror 81 at 90 degrees, passes through the light receiving filter 12, travels through the light guide path 80, and relay lens 82. , 83 and focused on the CCD 3a. Note that the attachment position of the light receiving filter 12 is not limited to the illustrated example, and any position is possible as long as it is on the light guide path 80.

  In the usage mode of the diagnostic imaging device A described above, first, when a normal visible light image is captured, the illumination light source 2 is a white LED and the light receiving filter 12 is not provided. Next, when photographing dental calculus, dental plaque, etc., the irradiation means 2 that emits light having a wavelength of 375 ± 25 nm is set, and the light receiving filter 12 transmits light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more. Set. In this manner, when the excitation light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 2 and a fluorescent image is to be obtained in the CCD 3a, a filter that cuts the irradiated excitation light is used as the light receiving filter 12 to avoid the influence of the excitation light. To do so is the same as above. For photopolymerization, as an example, the irradiation means 2 that emits light having a wavelength of 480 ± 20 nm is set. In this case, no light is received, so no filter is necessary.

  In this way, 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 on the front end side of the front side portion 4, and a mirror 81 or the like is disposed on the front end side. Therefore, the tip end side of the front side portion 4 can be designed to be low in volume, increasing its suitability as a dental photographing instrument used by being inserted into the oral cavity, and its practical value is enormous. .

  FIG. 29 shows an example in which the imaging means includes an optical path changing means as in the twelfth embodiment, and the front portion 4 can be separated into the head portion 4a and the base portion 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 so as to have an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis. A CCD 3a is installed in the base portion 4b. When the head portion 4a and the base portion 4b are coupled via a coupling means 90 described later, the inner cylindrical portion between the mirror 81 and the CCD 3a is guided by imaging light. An optical path 80 is provided.

  A relay lens 82 is disposed in the head portion 4a along the light guide path 80, and a relay lens 83 movable along the optical axis is disposed in the base portion 4b. The mirror 81 and the relay lenses 82 and 83 respectively An optical system for forming an optical image on the CCD 3a is configured. The CCD 3a and the optical system constitute the image pickup means 3. An opening portion (light entrance / exit portion 41) 84 for entering light that opens in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the head portion 4a is formed, and the opening portion 84 and the light guide path 80 are configured to communicate with each other. Yes. In the vicinity of the front side (front end side) of the relay lens 82, the light receiving filter 12 is mounted.

  A plurality of LEDs (irradiation means) 2 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the opening 84. Each LED 2 is connected to a lead wire 91a embedded in the wall portion of the head portion 4a, and the lead wire 91a is connected to a male electrode 91 protruding from the end surface on the base 4b side of the head portion 4a. Yes. On the other hand, female electrodes 92 are recessed corresponding to the male electrodes 91 on the end surface of the base 4b on the head portion 4a side, 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 via lead wires 92a.

  The fitting means 90 of the head part 4a and the base part 4b is formed by the fitting relationship between the male electrodes 91 and the female electrodes 92, and an electrical joint between the electrodes is formed. Therefore, the head 4a can be easily attached to and detached from the base 4b. As a result, the male electrodes 91 and the female electrodes 92 are electrically joined, and power is supplied from the power supply unit to the LED 2 by appropriate operation of the switch, and the startup light emission is performed.

  Further, the light entrance / exit part 41 is formed with a different-diameter step-like attachment part 41a similar to the above, and a cylindrical light-shielding member 42 made of an elastic material such as rubber is attached to the attachment part 41a. The base portion 42a is elastically deformed and is externally attached as in the case of the twelfth embodiment.

  In the configuration as described above, if various head portions 4a are prepared by combining various light receiving filters 12 having different wavelength characteristics and various LEDs 2 having different light emission characteristics, the head portions 4a are coupled to each other. By appropriately selecting and attaching to the base 4b via 90, it is possible to carry out multi-face diagnostic imaging 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 portion 4a without the light receiving filter 12 (including simple glass) is used, a visible light image by reflected light from the diagnosis target can be obtained, and the LED 2 is an excitation light LED. If the head part 4a equipped with the light receiving filter 12 that cuts the excitation light is used, a clear fluorescent image to be diagnosed can be obtained. Furthermore, if the LED 2 is an infrared LED, and the head portion 4a to which the light receiving filter 12 that passes only the reflected light from the diagnosis target portion by the irradiated infrared light is used, a clear infrared reflected image can be obtained. In this case, since a reflected image is obtained, a light receiving filter is originally unnecessary. However, when strong sunlight enters the imaging unit 3, the infrared reflected image is masked by sunlight. The light receiving filter 12 may be required.

  In addition, a plurality of LEDs 2 having different light emission characteristics can be attached to one head portion 4a so that the 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. In addition to the effects of the diagnostic imaging device A of the twelfth embodiment, the diagnostic imaging device A of the present embodiment is notable in that more diverse diagnostic image information can be obtained.

It should be noted that, instead of the mounting mechanism of the irradiation means 2 and the light receiving filter 12 in the diagnostic imaging device A of the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments, the attachment / detachment mechanism of each of the above embodiments is employed, and the control system is selectively applied. Needless to say you get. In the examples 12 and 13, since the light shielding member 42 is detachable independently, sterilization and the like are easily performed and convenient. Furthermore, in this example, the configuration in which the head portion 4a is detachably attached to the base portion 4b between the relay lenses 82 and 83 is shown, but is not limited thereto.
For example, it may be separated between the relay lens 82 and the light receiving filter 12, between the mirror 81 and the light receiving filter 12, or between the relay lens 83 and the CCD 3a and detachable.

  30 to 32 show an example of a dental mirror type diagnostic imaging device, and the diagnostic imaging device A in the illustrated example is a frame (front side) attached to the tip of a support bar portion 71 held by fingers. An LED (irradiation means) 2, a CCD (imaging means) 3 a, and a light receiving filter 12 are arranged in the portion 4) 72 to form a compact dental mirror type. The frame body 72 includes a circular bottom wall 72a, a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 72b, and a cylindrical partition wall 72c. Four LEDs 2 are arranged between the outer peripheral wall 72b and the partition wall 72c, and the partition wall A CCD 3a is disposed inside 72c.

  The four LEDs 2 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the CCD 3a every 90 degrees, and are covered with an annular transparent glass 73 provided between the outer peripheral wall 72b and the partition wall 72c. Inside the partition wall 72c, a disc-shaped light receiving filter 12 for the CCD 3a is provided so as to serve as a cover. Moreover, the opening part of the frame 72 is made into the light entrance / exit part 41, The cylindrical light-shielding member 42 which consists of elastic materials, such as rubber | gum, is attached to this light entrance / exit part 41 so that attachment or detachment is possible. In this way, since it is a very compact diagnostic imaging device A, it is the same operation as using a dental mirror, and it is easy to use with good operability, and is not affected by disturbance light. Shooting object). 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, the optical axis of the imaging means 3 and the irradiation means 2 is configured to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body 1 (FIGS. 1 to 6) or bend with an angle. In addition to the configuration, a linear configuration (actual fairness 6-30163) in which an imaging unit and a light source for irradiation are arranged in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body may be used. Moreover, although the example in which the cylindrical light-shielding member 42 has a previously enlarged diameter is shown, it may have a previously reduced diameter. In addition, the control box H shown in FIG. 2 can be configured as an ultra-compact one having a mobile phone, a display function of this level, and a control function, and a diagnostic photographing device connected to the main body 1 is also possible. is there.

  In the diagnostic imaging device A of the present invention, in addition to an image obtained by a white light source, excitation is performed by irradiating reflected light generated from an imaging target or excitation light obtained by using highly penetrating infrared light or the like. By receiving the received fluorescence, caries, detection of initial caries, observation of the degree of caries, confirmation of caries progress, tooth alteration, gingival changes can be photographed and diagnosed, and damage It is possible to diagnose the presence or absence of cracks, the presence or absence of tartar and plaque, the adhesion of tartar and plaque, the condition of the restoration, etc. It can be provided as a low-cost, convenient product that is easy to handle. That is, the imaging unit can receive the fluorescence generated by the reflected light and / or the excitation light that is irradiated from the irradiation unit and irradiated from the diagnostic object, and can form a predetermined diagnostic image that is not affected by disturbance light. , Tooth surface scratches, internal caries, crack depth, gingiva status can be immediately and easily known, extremely useful to make accurate diagnosis while being a compact camera-type camera Is high. In addition, because standard imaging using different wavelengths of irradiation light is possible, image processing such as superimposing or sweeping images using irradiation light of different wavelengths is possible. For example, a fluorescent image of a lesion is superimposed on an image with visible light. Things can be done easily. As a result, it is possible to visually recognize the lesioned part under indoor illumination light or sunlight, which has been difficult to perform conventionally. Furthermore, if such a simple diagnosis can be performed at home, it is possible to devise a way of brushing teeth by itself or to use it for health management of the self and family.

It is a top view which shows an example of the imaging device for diagnosis of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the diagnostic imaging device. It is an expanded vertical sectional view of the front side part of the main body. It is an enlarged bottom view of the main body front side part. It is a perspective view of a light shielding member. It is a partial longitudinal section notched front view of the same side part. It is a figure which shows an example of the picked-up image of the tooth | gear in an intraoral area. It is an effect | action figure which shows the diagnosis condition in the oral cavity by the imaging device for diagnosis. It is a block diagram which shows the whole system using a cordless type diagnostic imaging device. It is a block diagram which shows the whole system using a wired diagnostic imaging device and a personal computer. It is a figure which shows the irradiation time chart of each light emission source. It is a figure which shows the contrast graph of the radiation intensity of the carious tooth and healthy tooth by irradiation of excitation light. It is a figure which shows the relative fluorescence intensity graph of the carious tooth and healthy tooth by excitation light irradiation. It is a control block diagram which shows an example of the switching structure of the light source for irradiation. The attachment / detachment structure by the slide of a filter is shown, (a) is a front view of a notch of a tip part, (b) is a side view of a notch, and (c) is an enlarged view of a rail groove. The detachable structure of a front side part is shown, (a) is a side view of the front side of the photographing device, and (b) is an exploded perspective view in a separated state. It is a side view which shows the imaging device for diagnosis of another Example. It is a figure which shows the various forms of a filter, (a), (b) is a perspective view which shows the typical example of the filter for light reception. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows the typical example of the filter for light sources. (A) is a light-receiving filter by coating, and (b) is a perspective view showing a light source filter by coating. It is sectional drawing of the imaging | photography part of another structure to which an irradiation means and a filter are integrated and detachable. It is a partial notch longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the example of the diagnostic imaging device by which the light-shielding member and the irradiation means were integrated, and the front-side part was detachable. (A) is the figure which looked at the light shielding member in the Example from the bottom face side, (b) is the perspective view. It is a partial notch longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the example of the diagnostic imaging device by which the light-shielding member and the light reception filter were integrated, and the front side part was detachable. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a diagnostic imaging device in which an irradiation unit and a light receiving filter are detachably attached to a front side portion in an integrated relationship, and a light shielding member is detachably attached thereto. It is a partial notch longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the example of the diagnostic imaging device by which the irradiation means, the filter for light reception, and the light-shielding member were made detachable to the front side part by integral relationship. It is a partial notch partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diagnostic imaging device which employ | adopted the optical path change means. It is the bottom view. It is the same figure as FIG. 27 of another Example of the imaging device for diagnosis which employ | adopted the optical path change means. It is a side view of a notch of a dental mirror type diagnostic imaging device. It is a principal part top view of the diagnostic imaging device of FIG. It is a perspective view of the diagnostic imaging device of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Irradiation means 3 Imaging means 3a CCD (solid-state image sensor)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Front side part 4a Head part 4b Base part 41 Light entrance / exit part 42 Light-shielding member 6 Shooting switch 7 Light source selection switch 11 Filter 12 Light reception filter (imaging means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Light source filter 14 Diagnosis object 16 Automatic sequence imaging switch 18 Memory 31 Rail groove 81 Mirror (optical path changing means)
90 coupling means 91, 92 male and female electrical joint B image storage means C automatic photographing control means E filter attaching / detaching means D irradiation light source selection means

Claims (25)

  A main body that can be supported by fingers; an irradiation means for irradiating at least one of excitation light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and white light; and an imaging means that is provided on a front side portion of the main body. The imaging means receives light emitted from the diagnostic object and outputs predetermined diagnostic image information when the light from the irradiating means is irradiated on the diagnostic object. And an optical means for forming an optical image of the diagnostic object on the solid-state imaging device, and the light entrance / exit part for light emission of the irradiation light and light incident from the diagnosis object in the front side portion An imaging device for diagnosis, comprising a light shielding member for preventing light from entering from the outside. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 1,
A diagnostic imaging apparatus, wherein a light receiving filter that allows passage of only light in a specific wavelength range is provided close to a light receiving portion of the imaging means. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
The front side portion includes a detachable attachment that forms a part of the front side portion and includes the light inlet / outlet portion, and the optical means or the irradiation means is attached to the attachment. Shooter. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 3, wherein
The diagnostic photographing device, wherein the optical means is a light receiving filter. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The diagnostic photographing apparatus, wherein the irradiation means is composed of any one of an LED, a laser oscillator, and a halogen lamp. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 5, wherein
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the LED and the laser oscillator are capable of switching a wavelength of emitted light. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The irradiating means includes a light emitting part and an irradiating filter that is disposed in the vicinity of the light emitting part and passes only light in a specific wavelength region of light emitted from the light emitting part. Photographer. In the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit includes an optical path changing unit that changes an optical path of light emitted from the diagnostic object when the diagnostic object is irradiated with light from the irradiation unit. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 8, wherein
The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the front side part is separable into a head part including the optical path changing means and a base part including the solid-state imaging device. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 9, wherein
The irradiation means is provided on the head portion side, and the separable function in the front side portion is performed by a coupling means that allows the head portion and the base to be detachable from each other, and the coupling means includes the irradiation means. An imaging device for diagnosis characterized in that an electrical junction for supplying power is interposed. In the diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the front side portion is formed to be detachable from the main body. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The irradiating means, the optical means, and the light shielding member are singly or in combination of at least two or more, and are integrally attached to the light inlet / outlet part in a detachable manner. Diagnostic camera. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the light shielding member is made of a soft elastic cylindrical member such as rubber. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the light shielding member is made of a non-translucent member. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 13 or 14,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein an inner wall surface of the light shielding member is a light reflecting surface. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 15,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the light reflecting surface is formed by a mirror finishing process. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
A diagnostic imaging apparatus, wherein a plurality of the irradiation means are arranged around a light receiving portion of the imaging means. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
The irradiation unit includes a plurality of light emitting units that emit light having different wavelengths, and an irradiation driving unit for selectively driving one or a plurality of the light emitting units among the plurality of light emitting units is provided. A diagnostic imaging device characterized by that. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 18, wherein
The diagnostic imaging apparatus, wherein the irradiation driving means is configured to perform irradiation driving for selectively emitting light from the plurality of light emitting units by time division control. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
An imaging apparatus for diagnosis, comprising image storage means for recording and storing diagnostic image information captured by the imaging means as a still image in the main body, control box, or foot pedal. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 19 to 20,
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the irradiation driving means includes a light source selection switch mounted on the main body, a control box, or a foot pedal. The diagnostic imaging device according to claim 20,
The image storage means sequentially executes a time sequence specified in advance by operating a photographing switch, and each time the irradiation light having different wavelengths is selectively irradiated, the diagnostic images captured by the imaging means are sequentially stored in the memory. An imaging device for diagnosis characterized by comprising automatic imaging control means for storing and holding. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 22,
A diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising a power source and a wireless transmitter in the main body, and capable of transmitting diagnostic image information obtained by an imaging means to an external receiving device in a cordless manner. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein:
The diagnostic imaging device, wherein the irradiating means includes a light emitting unit that emits light having a wavelength suitable for curing the photopolymerization resin. The diagnostic imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 24,
The wavelength of light emitted from the irradiating means is 400 ± 30 nm, and the light receiving filter provided in the vicinity of the light receiving portion of the imaging means passes only light having a wavelength of 430 nm or more. A diagnostic imaging device characterized by that.

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