KR102503652B1 - Oral imaging camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an oral cavity imaging camera system including an oral cavity camera capable of autofocusing, the oral cavity camera including: a casing; a user input part for receiving user control; a camera part placed on one end surface of the casing to photograph the inside of an oral cavity; a light source part placed on one side of the camera part to supply light into the oral cavity; a focus adjusting part for adjusting a focus based on an image photographed by the camera part; and a first user input part for receiving user input so that the user input part can apply a photography signal to allow the camera part to photograph the interior of the oral cavity. Accordingly, provided is an oral cavity imaging camera system, wherein the focus is adjusted automatically to the center of a subject, the intensity of supplied light is adjusted automatically if the focus is adjusted, and foreign materials or dental calculus or the like can be removed using an oral cavity camera if diagnosis cannot be continued due to foreign materials or dental calculus or the like while photographing the interior of the oral cavity.

Description

Oral imaging camera system {Oral imaging camera system}

The present invention relates to an intraoral imaging camera system, and more particularly, to an intraoral imaging camera system that automatically adjusts brightness while adjusting autofocus and enlarging a focused area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] An intraoral imaging camera for dental treatment is a diagnosis instrument that is widely used in areas such as oral washing, tooth decay, scaling, implantation, and orthodontic treatment during dental treatment. Since the conventional intraoral photographing camera is provided so that the focal length is manually adjusted, the user has to manually adjust the focal length individually for each image, which is inconvenient.

Accordingly, an intraoral imaging camera that implements autofocus has been developed, but usually autofocusing is implemented so that the focal distance is adjusted toward the center of the subject, so that the user wishes to take pictures of the side of the subject or teeth such as tooth decay. If you want to observe the inside of the through hole, there is a disadvantage of not providing a proper image.

In addition, a conventional intraoral photographing camera photographs the subject by providing illumination when photographing the subject. However, when the distance between the subject and the intraoral camera lens is close, there is a disadvantage in that lighting is not properly provided to the subject and thus the illumination of the photographed image becomes dark.

On the other hand, if a foreign substance or calculus exists in an area that needs to be confirmed while imaging the inside of the oral cavity through an intraoral camera, a process for removing it must be additionally performed for more accurate diagnosis. Therefore, there was a hassle of removing the intraoral camera, removing foreign matter or calculus using a scaling device or tooth forceps, and inserting the intraoral camera again into the oral cavity for diagnosis.

Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0088197 (20170801) Publication No. 10-2019-0032800 (20190328)

The present invention is to solve the above conventional problems, the focus is automatically adjusted toward the center of the subject, the intensity of light automatically supplied when the focus is adjusted, and foreign matter while imaging the inside of the oral cavity Another object of the present invention is to provide an intraoral imaging camera system capable of directly removing foreign substances or calculus through an intraoral camera when it is impossible to continue diagnosis due to calculus or the like.

The present invention relates to an intraoral imaging camera system, including an intraoral camera capable of auto-focusing, wherein the intraoral camera includes a casing; a user input unit that receives user control; a camera unit located on one end surface of the casing and capturing an image of the inside of the oral cavity; a light source unit located on one side of the camera unit and supplying light to the oral cavity; a focus adjusting unit that adjusts the focus based on the image captured by the camera unit; The user input unit may include a first user input unit configured to receive a user input to apply an imaging signal so that the camera unit may image the inside of the oral cavity.

The user input unit includes a second user input unit having an area where a touch input is possible, and a computing device connected to the intraoral camera through a network, wherein the computing device displays a captured image received from the intraoral camera on a screen. display unit; storage unit; communications department; And a control unit, wherein the control unit displays the image captured from the intraoral camera when the second imaging signal is applied through the first user input unit after the first imaging signal is applied through the first user input unit. A focus recognition point is displayed on the screen at the center of the display unit, and based on a first touch input received from the second user input unit, the focus recognition point and the focus recognition point are set in a direction corresponding to the first touch input from the center of the display unit. control to display the first focus recognition point moved to , and when a second touch input is received from the second user input unit, adjust the angle of the camera so that the screen where the first focus recognition point was located is located in the center of the display unit; A second focus recognition point is displayed at the center of the display unit, and an enlarged first screen is displayed on the display unit based on the second focus recognition point. An illuminance sensor for detecting brightness, and the control unit measures a first detected value measured by the illuminance sensor on the enlarged first screen by the illuminance sensor in an image captured through the first image pickup signal. It is characterized in that the control to increase the intensity of the light emitted from the light source unit to match the second detection value.

The intraoral camera includes an ultrasonic generating unit and a washing water spraying unit for supplying washing water into the oral cavity, and the ultrasonic generating unit includes a holding unit formed to protrude and extend toward the oral cavity from one side of the camera unit; An ultrasonic vibration unit built into the mounting unit to generate ultrasonic vibration; A tip for scaling teeth in the oral cavity by using ultrasonic vibration in combination with the ultrasonic vibration unit; A buffer unit provided between the holding unit and the ultrasonic vibration unit to buffer ultrasonic vibration, and the user input unit further includes a third user input unit for generating a signal to control the operation of the ultrasonic generator and the washing water, and the control unit When receiving a third touch input from the third user input unit, the ultrasonic generator generates ultrasonic vibration to remove foreign substances in the oral cavity through a tip, and when receiving a fourth touch input from the third user input unit, the washing water It is characterized in that the master controls to spray the washing water to the oral cavity around the tip.

The focus is automatically adjusted toward the center of the subject, and when the focus is adjusted, the intensity of light automatically supplied is adjusted. In addition, the intraoral camera is used when it is impossible to continue diagnosis due to foreign substances or calculus while imaging the inside of the mouth. It is possible to provide an oral imaging camera system capable of directly removing foreign substances or calculus through the.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of adjusting focus and magnification of a screen displayed on a display unit of an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a user input unit of an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of adjusting the illuminance of a screen displayed on a display unit of an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view showing an ultrasonic generator and a washing water spraying unit of an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing the configuration of a buffer unit for buffering ultrasonic vibrations of an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals or symbols refer to components performing substantially the same function, and the size of each component in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. However, the technical idea of the present invention and its core configuration and operation are not limited to the configurations or operations described in the following embodiments. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology or configuration related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

In the embodiments of the present invention, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, and expressions in the singular number are plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. contains an expression of In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as 'comprise', 'include', and 'have' refer to one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof. Or it should be understood as not precluding the possibility of addition. In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, a 'module' or 'unit' performs at least one function or operation, may be implemented as hardware or software, or may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software, and is integrated into at least one module. and can be implemented with at least one processor. Also, in an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of elements refers to not only all of the plurality of elements, but also each one or all combinations of the plurality of elements excluding the rest. In addition, "configured (or configured) to" may be, depending on the situation, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "~ Used interchangeably with “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” "Configured (or set) to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or configured) to perform A, B, and C" may include a dedicated processor (eg, an embedded processor) to perform the operation, or by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device. , may mean a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU or application processor) capable of performing corresponding operations.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This is to explain in detail to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily practice the invention, and thus, the technical spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited. .

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an intraoral camera 100 capable of auto-focusing and a computing device 200.

The intraoral camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a casing, a user input unit 140, a camera, a light source unit 120, and a focus adjustment unit 130. Although not shown in the drawing, the intraoral camera 100 may further include a power supply unit for supplying power, and in some cases, a touch screen provided to visually check the captured image or to control the operation of the intraoral camera 100. A display including functions may be further included.

The casing serves to fix the positions of the user input unit 140, the camera, the light source unit 120, and the focus adjustment unit 130 provided therein to stably operate, and to protect the internal components from external shocks. The casing may be provided in various forms depending on the shape of the inside, and preferably, the handle portion may be implemented in a shape narrowed to one end of the casing where a camera, which will be described later, is located. This is to more easily enter the oral cavity when entering the oral cavity to be treated.

The camera unit 110 serves to capture an image of the inside of the oral cavity and is provided at one end of the casing. The camera unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention receives light on the shape of a subject entered through a lens with an image sensor, converts it into digital data, and converts the information into JPEG, TIFF, Raw format, GIF, etc. It is stored in a digital image file format or a digital video file format such as MPEG, DV, MJPEG, etc. For convenience of description, the camera unit 110 presumes to capture images or videos through visible light, but infrared, ultraviolet, 2 , 3D scanning, X-ray, etc. may include any camera that captures images or videos.

The user input unit 140 receives various information such as number and character information, sets various functions and receives input signals related to function control of the user terminal, and the user input unit 140 responds to a user's touch or operation. It may be configured to include at least one of a keypad and a touchpad for generating an input signal according to the present invention. At this time, the user input unit 140 is configured in the form of a single touch panel (or touch screen) together with a display and can simultaneously perform input and display functions. In addition, the user input unit 140 may use any type of input means that may be developed in the future, in addition to input devices such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, joystick, and the like.

4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user input unit 140 of the intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the user input unit 140 includes a first user input unit 141 that receives a user input for applying an imaging signal to control an imaging operation of the camera unit 110 and an area where a touch input is possible. It may include a second user input unit 142 and a third user input unit 143 for controlling the operation of an ultrasonic generator and a washing water spray unit to be described later.

The light source unit 120 is disposed in the casing to supply light to the subject when the camera unit 110 captures the inside of the oral cavity, and serves to accurately determine the illuminance of the captured image or video with the naked eye. The light source unit 120 receives power from the power supply unit and can adjust the intensity of light according to the control of the user input unit 140 . In more detail, the light source unit 120 uses a light emitting diode (LED) to convert the energy of electrons in the PN junction into light energy and emit light, supplying light during imaging of the camera unit 110 do. In addition, the intensity of light may be adjusted by adjusting the size of power supplied from the power supply unit.

The focus control unit 130 changes the refractive index of the lens provided in the camera unit 110 to adjust the focal length that implements the clearest resolution for the subject when imaging the inside of the oral cavity. More preferably, the lens inside is liquefied. It is provided in the form of a lens, and the focal length can be adjusted by supplying power from low power to high power within the range allowed by the liquid lens. In relation to the refractive index in more detail, the image captured from the camera unit 110 is analyzed to identify the refractive index that provides the clearest resolution and the power value to be applied to the liquid lens corresponding to the refractive index, and based on the identified power value, the optimal It is possible to capture an image of the inside of the oral cavity in a fixed state with a refractive index and a focal length that provide a resolution of .

The computing device 200 is network-connected to the intraoral camera 100, and at this time, the computing device 200 may transmit and receive mutual digital signals with the intraoral camera 100 by wire or wirelessly.

The computing device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit 210, a storage unit 220, a communication unit, and a control unit 230 that display the captured image received from the intraoral camera 100 on the screen. .

The method of implementing the display unit 210 is not limited, and for example, liquid crystal, plasma, light-emitting diode, organic light-emitting diode, surface conductivity It can be implemented in various display methods such as surface-conduction electron-emitter, carbon nano-tube, and nano-crystal. The display unit 210, in the case of a liquid crystal type, includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight unit supplying light to the liquid crystal display panel, and a panel driving unit driving the liquid crystal display panel. The display unit 210 may be implemented as an OLED panel, which is a self-emitting device, without a backlight unit.

The storage unit 220 may receive and store data about settings for controlling images, videos, and other operations captured from the intraoral camera 100 connected to the network and storing them. In addition, the storage unit 220 can store various data according to the processing and control of the control unit 230 to be described later, and is accessed by the control unit 230 to read, record, modify, delete, and update data. can The storage unit 220 is a flash-memory, hard-disc drive, solid-state (SSD) to preserve data regardless of whether system power is provided to the computing device 200 or not. drive) and the like. In addition, the storage unit 220 may include a volatile memory such as a buffer or RAM for temporarily loading data processed by the control unit 230 .

The communication unit can communicate with a plurality of computing devices 200 or a plurality of intraoral cameras 100 by wire or wirelessly, and information such as images, images, texts, update files of various control applications, and correction commands from the intraoral camera 100. can communicate by wire or wirelessly. Therefore, in addition to a connector including a connector or a terminal for wired connection, various other communication methods may be implemented. For example, it may be configured to perform at least one communication among Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, infrared communication, Radio Control, UWM (Ultra-Wide Band), Wireless USB, and NFC (Near Field Communication). The communication unit may include communication modules such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Serial Port Profile (SPP), Wi-Fi Direct, infrared communication, Zigbee, and Near Field Communication (NFC). Also, the communication unit may be implemented in the form of a device, S/W module, circuit, or chip.

The controller 230 may control the operation of the computing device 200 and the oral camera 100 of the intraoral imaging camera system. The control unit 230 executes a control program (or instruction) for performing such a control operation, an inactive memory in which the control program is installed, a volatile memory in which at least a part of the installed control program is loaded, and the loaded control program It may include at least one processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition, such a control program may be stored in other electronic devices as well as the computing device 200 .

The control program may include program(s) implemented in the form of at least one of BIOS, device driver, operating system, firmware, platform, and application program (application). As an embodiment, the application program is pre-installed or stored through a server that provides it at the time of manufacturing the computing device 200, or receives data of the application program from the outside at the time of later use and based on the received data. It may be installed in the computing device 200. Data of the application program may be downloaded from an external server such as, for example, an application market, but is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the controller 230 may be implemented in the form of a device, S/W module, circuit, chip, or the like, or a combination thereof.

3 is a view showing an operation of adjusting the focus and magnification of the screen displayed on the display unit 210 of the intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a diagram illustrating an operation of adjusting the brightness of a screen displayed on the display unit 210 of the photographing camera system.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the operation of the intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail. When a first imaging signal is applied to image the inside of the oral cavity, an image of the inside of the oral cavity is received from the intraoral camera 100 and controlled to be displayed on the screen of the display unit 210 .

On the other hand, when the second imaging signal is applied through the first user input unit 141 after the first imaging signal is applied, the control unit 230 displays the image captured by the intraoral camera 100 of the display unit 210. The focus recognition point 300 is displayed on the screen at the center, and the focus recognition point 300 and the focus recognition point 300 are displayed on the display unit 210 based on the first touch input received from the second user input unit 142. Controls to display the first focus recognition point 310 moved in the direction corresponding to the first touch input from the center of the first focus recognition point 310, and when a second touch input is received from the second user input unit 142, the first focus recognition point ( 310) is positioned at the center of the display unit 210, the angle of the camera is adjusted, the second focus recognition point 320 is displayed at the center of the display unit 210, and the second focus recognition point 320 ), it is possible to control the display unit 210 to display the enlarged first screen. This is to enlarge and clearly display the area of the detected oral cavity on the display unit 210 when an abnormal state in the oral cavity is detected during diagnosis by taking an image of the inside of the oral cavity, and the first user input unit 141 If the input is input again, the focus recognition point 300 is controlled to move within the screen of the display unit 210 through a touch input of the second user input unit 142, and the area where the focus recognition point 300 is moved is enlarged. And, according to the enlarged screen, the focus adjusting unit 130 automatically adjusts the focus.

The light source unit 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an illuminance sensor for detecting the brightness of a location in the oral cavity where the focus recognition point 300 is located, and the controller 230 includes an illuminance sensor on the enlarged first screen. The intensity of the light emitted from the light source unit 120 is increased so that the first detection value measured by is equal to the second detection value measured by the illuminance sensor in the image captured through the first imaging signal. That is, when the focus recognition point 300 is moved and enlarged, the magnification is different, so the illuminance of the screen displayed on the display unit 210 is lowered. and increase the light intensity so that the second detection value measured after magnification is the same as the first detection value measured by the illuminance sensor in the captured image before the first magnification, so that the inside of the oral cavity is captured more clearly and in detail can do.

6 is a view showing the ultrasonic generator 410 and the washing water spraying unit 420 of the intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is the intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram showing the configuration of the buffer unit 413 for buffering the ultrasonic vibration of the.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , in the intraoral imaging camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the intraoral camera 100 further includes an ultrasonic generator 410 and a washing water spraying unit 420.

The ultrasonic generator 410 is combined with a mounting portion formed to protrude and extend from one side of the camera unit 110 toward the oral cavity, an ultrasonic vibration unit 412 built into the mounting portion and generating ultrasonic vibration, and an ultrasonic vibration unit 412. It includes a tip 411 for scaling teeth in the oral cavity using ultrasonic vibration, and a buffer 413 provided between the casing and the ultrasonic vibrator 412 to buffer ultrasonic vibration.

When the ultrasonic generator 410 cannot perform a detailed diagnosis due to foreign substances or tartar while imaging the inside of the oral cavity through the intraoral camera 100, conventionally, the calculus is removed through a scaling device, or the recording is stopped and added to the corresponding area It is coupled to one side of the intraoral camera 100 in order to take measures to improve the inconvenience, so that foreign substances or calculus are captured through the computing device 200 and removed at the same time.

The mounting portion is provided to be detachable from one area of the camera and serves to protect the built-in structure from external impact. Mounting portion may be provided in various forms that can be tightly coupled according to the shape of the intraoral camera (100).

The ultrasonic vibrator 412 receives power from the power supply unit and converts an electrical signal into mechanical vibration to generate ultrasonic vibration. By delivering to the teeth present in the oral cavity, it is possible to remove foreign substances or calculus in the oral cavity.

The buffer unit 413 is provided between the holder and the ultrasonic vibration unit 412 and serves to reduce transmission of ultrasonic vibrations to the intraoral camera 100. The shock absorber 413 is made of a material having elasticity and includes a through-groove inside which the tip 411 penetrates and is wrapped. The buffer unit 413 includes a cylindrical first sidewall and a second sidewall having a smaller diameter than the first sidewall to absorb ultrasonic vibration between the through hole and the outer wall of the mounting unit, and a first support member provided on the first sidewall. And a second support member provided on the second sidewall to face the first support member and a spring interposed between the first support member and the second support member to provide elastic force. By absorbing the ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 412, the spring disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall can reduce vibration transmitted to the intraoral camera 100. Through such a buffer 413, it is possible to provide a better feeling of use to the user using the intraoral camera 100.

The washing water spraying unit 420 includes a washing water supply path 421 for spraying washing water into the oral cavity, a washing water storage unit 422 for storing washing water, and a hydraulic device 423 for generating pressure so that the washing water can be sprayed into the oral cavity. includes The washing water may be water or a mixed solution containing water and fluorine, and foreign substances or calculus removed from the ultrasonic generator 410 can be more smoothly removed by the washing water spray unit 420, and through this, the user can use the oral cavity The inside can be diagnosed in more detail.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without changing its technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting.

100: intraoral camera, 110: camera unit
120: light source unit, 130: focus control unit
140: user input unit, 141: first user input unit
142: second user input unit, 143: third user input unit
200: computing device, 210: display unit
220: storage unit, 230: control unit
300: focus recognition point, 310: first focus recognition point
320: second focus recognition point, 410: ultrasonic generator
411: tip, 412: ultrasonic vibration unit
413: buffer unit, 420: washing water spray unit
421: washing water supply path, 422: washing water storage unit
423: hydraulic system

Claims (3)

In the oral imaging camera system,
Including an intraoral camera capable of auto-focusing,
The intraoral camera
casing;
a user input unit that receives user control;
a camera unit located on one end surface of the casing and capturing an image of the inside of the oral cavity;
a light source unit located on one side of the camera unit and supplying light to the oral cavity;
a focus adjusting unit that adjusts the focus based on the image captured by the camera unit;
The user input unit includes a first user input unit that receives a user input to apply an imaging signal so that the camera unit can image the inside of the oral cavity,
The user input unit includes a second user input unit having an area where a touch input is possible,
Including a computing device networked with the intraoral camera,
The computing device includes a display unit for displaying the captured image received from the intraoral camera on a screen; storage unit; communications department; And a control unit,
When the second imaging signal is applied through the first user input after the first imaging signal is applied through the first user input, the control unit sets a focus recognition point at the center of the display unit displaying the image captured from the intraoral camera. is displayed on the screen, and based on the first touch input received from the second user input unit, the focus recognition point and the focus recognition point are moved from the center of the display unit in a direction corresponding to the first touch input. Control to display recognition points,
When a second touch input is received from the second user input unit, the angle of the camera is adjusted so that the screen where the first focus recognition point is located is located at the center of the display unit, and the second focus recognition point is displayed at the center of the display unit. An enlarged first screen is displayed on the display unit based on the second focus recognition point,
The light source unit includes an illuminance sensor for detecting brightness of a place where the focus recognition point is located in the oral cavity,
The control unit controls the light source unit so that the first detected value measured by the illuminance sensor in the enlarged first screen coincides with the second detected value measured by the illuminance sensor in the image captured through the first imaging signal. Oral imaging camera system, characterized in that for controlling to increase the intensity of light emitted from.
delete According to claim 1,
The intraoral camera includes an ultrasonic generator and a washing water spraying unit for supplying washing water into the oral cavity,
The ultrasonic generator unit includes a holding unit formed to protrude and extend from one side of the camera unit toward the oral cavity; An ultrasonic vibration unit built into the mounting unit to generate ultrasonic vibration; A tip for scaling teeth in the oral cavity by using ultrasonic vibration in combination with the ultrasonic vibration unit; A buffering unit provided between the holding unit and the ultrasonic vibration unit to buffer ultrasonic vibration,
The user input unit further includes a third user input unit for generating signals for controlling operations of the ultrasonic generator and the washing water;
When the control unit receives a third touch input from the third user input unit, the ultrasonic generator generates ultrasonic vibration to remove foreign substances in the oral cavity through a tip, and when receiving a fourth touch input from the third user input unit, the controller generates the ultrasonic vibration. Oral imaging camera system, characterized in that for controlling the washing water spraying unit to spray the washing water to the oral cavity around the tip.

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