JP2006187433A - Intraoral camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily capture a beautiful image well focused on an imaging object in the oral cavity without giving a pain to the imaging subject. <P>SOLUTION: A tubular guide part 2 whose distal end is formed of a flexible material is provided at the distal end 1a of a casing 1, a lens part 3a having a peculiar focusing distance and condensing the light of the imaging object is provided inside the cylinder of the guide part 2, and the distal end of the guide part 2 is positioned within a range of the field depth peculiar for the lens part 3a, so that the well-focused beautiful image can be easily captured by just bringing the distal end of the guide part 2 into contact with the imaging object and allowing the imaging object to enter within the range of the field depth of the lens part 3a. The distal end of the guide part 2 is formed of the flexible material so as to eliminate any possibility of giving the pain to the imaging subject, even if the distal end of the guide part 2 comes into contact with the gum in the oral cavity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera that shoots an object to be photographed and outputs an image, and more particularly to an intraoral camera for grasping a situation in the oral cavity.

Conventionally, as an apparatus for observing the state of the oral cavity, an illumination system that illuminates the oral cavity at the tip of a rod-shaped insertion portion that is sized to be inserted into the oral cavity, and an imaging system that performs imaging of the oral cavity A video scope provided is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-179516

  However, when the autofocus function is not installed in the imaging system, a specific focal length is set in the imaging system. Therefore, in the video scope described in Patent Document 1 described above, when the imaging system does not have an autofocus function, the videoscope needs to be held at a position where the object to be photographed is in focus. However, since the videoscope is held by hand, it is difficult to hold the videoscope at a position where the object to be photographed is in focus, and it becomes impossible to focus on the object to be photographed. .

Moreover, as a television camera for photographing the intraoral area, a transparent cylindrical body having a built-in television camera formed with a support protrusion for holding a focal point is known (for example, Patent Document 2). ).
JP 2001-8893 A

  However, in the television camera described in Patent Document 2, since the support protrusion is formed of a hard plastic such as a transparent acrylic resin that is the same as the cylindrical body, when the support protrusion comes into contact with the gums in the oral cavity, etc. There was a problem that it caused the subject to feel pain.

  In addition, when the support protrusion is cylindrical, the object to be photographed is photographed through the cylindrical support protrusion, so that the object to be photographed can be clearly photographed if the transparency of the columnar support protrusion is not high. There was a problem that could not be done.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and enables a beautiful image focused on an intraoral photographing object to be photographed without causing the photographing subject to feel pain. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, a cylindrical guide portion having at least a tip portion formed of a soft material is formed at a tip portion sized to be inserted into the oral cavity, Provided with a lens unit that has a specific focal length and collects light at the tip of the guide unit, and an imaging unit that forms image data by focusing the light collected by the lens unit And the distal end portion of the guide portion is arranged within the range of the depth of field of the lens portion.

  According to the intraoral camera configured as described above, since the distance between the lens unit and the imaging object is within the depth of field of the lens unit when the imaging object contacts the guide unit, the imaging object Can easily focus on. In addition, since the photographing object is photographed through the space in the cylinder of the guide unit, it is possible to photograph a beautiful image focused on the photographing object. Thereby, the user can observe the state in an oral cavity in detail. Even if the distal end portion of the guide portion comes into contact with the gums in the oral cavity, the distal end portion of the guide portion is formed of a soft material, so that the subject to be photographed does not feel pain.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig.1 (a) is a front view which shows the structural example of the intraoral camera by this embodiment, FIG.1 (b) is sectional drawing between AA 'of the intraoral camera by this embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a housing, which has a diameter larger than that of the other part, is provided at a rod-shaped gripping part 1 a that is gripped by the user's hand, and a tip part of the gripping part 1 a, and is thinner than the gripping part 1 a It is comprised by the rod-shaped front-end | tip part 1b. Here, the diameter of the tip 1b is a size that can be inserted into the oral cavity.

  Reference numeral 2 denotes a guide portion, which is formed in an elliptical cylindrical shape and is attached to the front surface of the front end portion 1b of the housing 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the guide part 2 is comprised by the hard part 2a formed with the hard material, and the soft part 2b formed with the soft material. Further, the hard portion 2 a is disposed closer to the tip portion 1 b of the housing 1, and the soft portion 2 b is disposed farther from the tip portion 1 b of the housing 1. Here, the hard material used for the hard portion 2a is, for example, transparent plastic, and the soft material used for the soft portion 2b is, for example, transparent vinyl.

  Reference numeral 3 denotes a camera unit for photographing a photographing object (such as a tooth photographed by the camera). The camera unit 3 is provided with a lens unit 3 a for condensing light from an object to be photographed in the distal direction of the guide unit 2 (particularly the soft unit 2 b) at the distal end 1 b of the housing 1. In addition, the camera unit 3 forms a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) unit 3b (corresponds to the imaging unit in the claims) for imaging the light collected by the lens unit 3a to obtain image data. Is provided in the front end 1 b of the housing 1. In addition, the camera unit 3 is provided with an image data output line 3c for outputting image data obtained by the CCD unit 3b in the housing 1.

  Here, the lens unit 3a has a specific focal length. Since the object to be photographed by the camera unit 3 is often at a short distance, if the focal length is long, the depth of field indicating the range that appears to be in focus becomes relatively shallow. Therefore, a wide-angle lens having a short focal distance and a deep depth of field is used as the lens unit 3a. Further, the height of the guide portion 2 (corresponding to the length in the front direction on FIG. 1A) is such that the tip portion of the guide portion 2 enters the range of the intrinsic depth of field of the lens portion 3a. With a height. Preferably, the length from the surface of the lens portion 3a to the in-focus position determined by the focal length of the lens portion 3a is substantially equal to the height of the guide portion 2.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a light emitting unit, which includes a shipping element 4a, an optical fiber 4b, and four light output units 4c. The light from the light emitting element 4a is irradiated from four light output portions 4c provided around the lens portion 3a through the optical fiber 4b. Here, the light emitted from the light output unit 4c is directed to the object to be imaged. Further, the lens portion 3a and the four light output portions 4c are arranged on the bottom of the guide portion 2 in the cylinder (the surface of the tip portion 1b).

  Reference numeral 5 denotes an output terminal (corresponding to the image data output unit in the claims), which outputs image data by connecting to an external device (such as a personal computer) using a cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The image data output from the line 3c is output to an external device. The output terminal 5 supplies power to the CCD unit 3b and the light emitting element 4a from an external device through a cable such as a USB.

  A power supply line 6 supplies power from an external device supplied via the output terminal 5 to the CCD unit 3b and the light emitting element 4a.

  Next, a method for using the intraoral camera according to the present embodiment will be described. The user holds the grip portion 1a of the housing 1 and inserts the distal end portion 1b into the oral cavity. In addition, the user moves the housing 1 so that the distal end portion of the guide portion 2 formed at the distal end portion 1b of the housing 1 is in contact with the object to be imaged. When the tip portion of the guide portion 2 comes into contact with the object to be photographed, the height of the guide portion 2 and the length from the surface of the lens portion 3a to the in-focus position determined by the focal length of the lens portion 3a are substantially equal. The object to be photographed enters the range of the depth of field.

  The light emitting unit 4 illuminates the tip direction of the guide unit 2, and the camera unit 3 photographs the tip direction of the guide unit 2. Image data photographed by the camera unit 3 is output to an external device through a USB cable connected to the output terminal 5. In an external device, the input image data is processed and displayed on a display. And a user observes the state in an oral cavity based on the image displayed on a display.

  As described above in detail, the intraoral camera of the present embodiment includes an elliptical cylindrical guide portion 2 having a distal end portion formed of a soft material and provided at the distal end portion 1b of the housing 1, and the guide portion 2. The camera unit 3 for photographing the tip part is provided, and the tip part of the guide part 2 is arranged within the range of the depth of field of the lens part 3a. Thus, simply by bringing the guide unit 2 into contact with the object to be imaged, the distance from the lens unit 3a to the object to be imaged is within the range of the depth of field of the lens unit 3a, and the object to be imaged can be easily focused. Can do. Therefore, the camera unit 3 can capture an image focused on the object to be imaged.

  Further, since the photographing object is photographed through the space in the elliptic cylinder of the guide unit 2, the photographing object can be photographed cleanly regardless of the transparency of the guide unit 2. Moreover, since the light emission part 4 which illuminates the place image | photographed with the camera part 3 is provided, the illumination intensity for imaging | photography with the camera part 3 can be ensured, and the camera part 3 image | photographs the dark place in an oral cavity. be able to. Therefore, the user can observe the state in the oral cavity in detail.

  Moreover, since the soft part 2b is formed in the front-end | tip part of the guide part 2, even if the soft part 2b contacts imaging | photography objects, such as a tooth | gear in an oral cavity, and a gum, it may make an imaging | photography subject feel pain. Disappear.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the guide part 2 is made into the elliptical cylinder shape, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a square cylindrical guide portion 7 may be used. The guide portion may have any shape as long as it is cylindrical. Further, the guide portion may be in a cylindrical shape (a trumpet shape) that is larger on the photographing object side than on the front end portion side of the housing.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the guide part 2 is integrally formed with the front-end | tip part 1b, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a lens portion 3 a and four light output portions 4 c are provided at the distal end portion 11 a of the housing 11, and a mounting portion 12 with a guide portion that forms the guide portion 2 and a toothbrush that forms the brush portion 13. You may make it mount | wear with the mounting part 14 so that replacement | exchange is possible at the front-end | tip part 11a.

  Specifically, the mounting portion 12 with a guide portion and the mounting portion 14 with a toothbrush mounted on the distal end portion 11a are open at one end so as to be covered with the distal end portion 11a. The mounting portion 12 with a guide portion is provided with a first through-hole 12a at a position facing the lens portion 3a when mounted on the distal end portion 11a, and at a position facing the four light output portions 4c. Two second through holes 12b are provided. Moreover, the mounting part 12 with a guide part is provided with the cylindrical guide part 2 which formed the front-end | tip part with the soft material around the 1st through-hole 12a and the 2nd through-hole 12b. In addition, the mounting portion 14 with the toothbrush is provided with a first through hole 14a at a position facing the lens portion 3a when mounted on the distal end portion 11a, and at four positions facing the four light output portions 4c. A second through hole 14b is provided. Moreover, the mounting part 14 with a toothbrush is provided with the brush part 13 which formed several hair around the 1st through-hole 14a and the 2nd through-hole 14b.

  And when observing the state in the oral cavity in detail, the attachment part 12 with a guide part is attached to the front-end | tip part 11a, and when brushing teeth, confirming the state in the oral cavity, the attachment part 14 with a toothbrush is attached to the front-end | tip part 11a. I am doing so. Here, the lens unit 3a collects light from the object to be photographed through the first through holes 12a and 14a. The light output unit 4c illuminates the subject to be photographed through the second through holes 12b and 14b.

  In addition, when attaching the mounting part 14 with a toothbrush to the front-end | tip part 11a and brushing a tooth | brush while confirming the state in an oral cavity, when the hair of the brush part 13 is pressed on the imaging | photography subject, Since the distance to the object to be photographed is close, the lens unit 3a may be out of the range of the depth of field. Further, when the brush unit 13 is rubbed against the object to be photographed, the hair of the brush unit 13 may cover the lens unit 3a and the four light output units 4c.

  On the other hand, when the mounting portion 12 with the guide portion is attached to the distal end portion 11a and the teeth are brushed while checking the state in the oral cavity, the distance between the lens portion 3a and the object to be photographed is determined by the guide portion 2 as the depth of field. Is kept within the range. The object to be imaged is imaged through a space in the cylindrical guide portion 2. Therefore, it is possible to always take a beautiful image in focus. Thereby, the user can observe the state in an oral cavity in detail, if the mounting part 12 with a guide part is attached to the front-end | tip part 11a. Moreover, if the mounting part 14 with a toothbrush is attached to the front-end | tip part 11a, a tooth can be brushed, observing the state in an oral cavity.

  In such a case, the first through holes 12a and 14a facing the lens portion 3a and the second through holes 12b and 14b facing the light output portion 4c are provided separately, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion with the guide portion and the mounting portion with the toothbrush may be provided with one through hole that includes all the portions facing the lens portion 3a and the light output portion 4c.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the guide part 2 forms the hard part 2a in the front-end | tip part 1b side of the housing | casing 1, and forms the soft part 2b toward the front-end | tip direction of the hard part 2a, However, It is limited to this. Not. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the hard part 2a may be covered with the soft part 2b. Fig.5 (a) is a front view which shows the modification of the guide part 2 of the intraoral camera by this embodiment, FIG.5 (b) is BB 'of the guide part 2 of the intraoral camera by this embodiment. FIG. In FIG. 5, the soft part 2b is formed so that the hard part 2a standingly arranged at the front-end | tip part 1b of the housing | casing 1 may be covered. Thereby, even if the side surface of the guide part 2 contacts an object to be imaged such as a tooth or gum in the oral cavity, the person to be imaged does not feel pain.

  In this embodiment, the CCD unit 3b is provided in the front end 1b of the housing 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, between the lens unit 3a and the CCD unit 3b, an optical transmission path in which a plurality of optical fibers that send the light condensed by the lens unit 3a to the CCD unit 3b is bundled is provided. You may make it provide in 1a. Thereby, since the front-end | tip part 1b of the housing | casing 1 can be reduced in size, a user becomes easy to put the front-end | tip part 1b in an oral cavity.

  In this embodiment, power is supplied to the CCD unit 3b and the light emitting element 4a using a cable such as a USB connected to the output terminal 5 for outputting image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, power may be supplied separately using a power cable, or a power source such as a battery may be built in the housing 1.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the material which forms the guide part 2 uses the transparent material, it is not limited to this. For example, an opaque material may be used as the material for forming the guide portion 2. In such a case, since the light emitting unit 4 that illuminates a place photographed by the camera unit 3 is formed in the cylinder of the guide unit 2, the illumination of the photographing object is not hindered.

  In this embodiment, the output terminal 5 and an external device are connected by a cable such as a USB, and the image data is output to an external device such as a personal computer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image conversion unit that converts image data into an analog video signal may be provided in the housing, and the video may be output to the television by connecting the output terminal and an external television with a video cable or the like. . Thereby, an image can be displayed also on a device such as a television.

  As mentioned above, although the example of actualization in implementing this invention was shown, this embodiment is only what showed the example of actualization in implementing this invention, and, thereby, the technical scope of this invention Should not be interpreted in a limited way. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for an intraoral camera for photographing an intraoral tooth or gum.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the intraoral camera by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the guide part of the intraoral camera by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of the intraoral camera by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of the intraoral camera by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of the guide part of the intraoral camera by this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,11 Case 1a Holding part 1b Tip part 2,7 Guide part 2a Hard part 2b Soft part 3 Camera part 3a Lens part 3b CCD unit 3c Image data output line 4 Light emitting part 4a Light emitting element 4b Optical fiber 4c Light output part 5 Output Terminal 6 Power supply line

Claims (4)

A housing having a gripping part gripped by a user and a tip part provided at a tip part of the gripping part and capable of being inserted into the oral cavity;
At least the tip portion is formed of a soft material, and a cylindrical guide portion provided at the tip portion of the housing;
A lens unit that is provided in the cylinder of the guide unit and has a specific focal length and collects light from an object to be photographed in the distal direction of the guide unit, and images light collected by the lens unit. A camera unit having an imaging unit for generating image data
An image data output unit that outputs image data generated by the imaging unit;
An intraoral camera, wherein a tip portion of the guide portion is disposed within a range of a depth of field of the lens portion. The intraoral camera according to claim 1, further comprising a light output unit that is disposed in the vicinity of the lens unit and illuminates a portion that is condensed by the lens unit. A housing having a gripping part gripped by a user and a tip part provided at a tip part of the gripping part and capable of being inserted into the oral cavity;
A lens unit that is provided at the distal end and has a specific focal length and collects light from an object to be photographed, and an imaging unit that forms image data by focusing the light collected by the lens unit. Camera unit,
An image data output unit that outputs image data generated by the imaging unit;
A mounting portion with a guide portion that is replaceably mounted on the tip of the housing;
A mounting portion with a toothbrush that is replaceably mounted on the tip of the housing;
The mounting portion with a guide portion is provided with a through hole at a position facing the lens portion when mounted on the distal end portion of the housing, and at least the distal end portion is made of a soft material around the through hole. Provided with a cylindrical guide formed,
The mounting portion with the toothbrush is provided with a brush portion in which a through hole is provided at a position facing the lens portion when the tooth brush is mounted on the distal end portion of the housing, and a plurality of bristles are formed around the through hole. Prepared,
An intraoral camera, wherein a tip portion of the guide portion is disposed within a range of a depth of field of the lens portion. A light output unit that is disposed in the vicinity of the lens unit and illuminates a portion that is condensed by the lens unit;
The mounting portion with a guide portion and the mounting portion with a toothbrush are provided with a through hole at a position facing the light output portion when mounted on a distal end portion of the housing. The intraoral camera according to 3.

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