WO2004019783A1

WO2004019783A1 - Intraoral imaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2004019783A1
Application number: PCT/KR2002/001649
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dae-Yeun Kim
Original assignee: Dae-Yeun Kim
Priority date: 2002-08-30
Filing date: 2002-08-30
Publication date: 2004-03-11
Also published as: AU2002335552A1

Abstract

Disclosed is an improved intraoral imaging system allowing a doctor or dentist to view or examine X-ray image displayed on a monitor in real time, compared with a conventional apparatus by which the dentist visually examines X-ray film photographing the oral cavity. The system comprises a sensor including a casing (10) having an opened front and a cavity therein, an elbow-shaped protrusion tube (12) fixed to a rear of the casing (10), an intensifier (14) fixed to a front of the casing (10) for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X-ray projector (5) into a visible ray, a condenser lens (16) fixed to a front of the protrusion tube (12) for collecting the light passed through the intensifier (14) and transferring the light to reflecting means, and the reflecting means for reflecting the light passed through the condenser lens at a right angle and transferring the light to a fiberscope (30).

Description

INTRAORAL IMAGING SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an intraoral imaging system using X -rays, and more particularly , to an improved intraoral imaging system allowing a doctor or dentist to view or examine X-ray image displayed on a monitor in real time, compared with a conventional apparatus by which the dentist visually examines X-ray film photographing the oral cavity.

Background Art

In order to simply treat the teeth, for example, in case of treating a decayed tooth, pulling out a tooth merely, or scaling tartar from the teeth oral cavity, it is not necessary to precisely examine the condition of oral cavity which is not visually identified.

However, in order to precisely examine and treat the teeth, for example, in case of carefully treating the tooth, extracting abnormally grown tooth, treating the teeth which are no further rigidly fixed to the injured teethridge, implanting an artificial tooth (dental implant), implementing the orthodontic treatment, operating the teethridge and so forth, after a doctor or dentist correctly identifies a bone, a blood vessel, a muscle, a condition of tooth and the like within the oral cavity which are not visually identified, the best treatment and operation may be performed.

To this end described above, a conventional intraoral X -ray camera system is used, which a patient has to suffer much inconvenience and the dentist regards as no the best method. Specifically, since a small X -ray film is visually inspected, the dentist may make mistakes . Besides, it requires great expense for keeping and managing the X-ray films. Because no a specially designed apparatus suitable for examining the oral cavity have been developed, the dentist unavoidably employs the conventional intraloral X-ray camera system. Therefore, it needs a new improved intraoral imaging system capable of being safely and conveniently used, as well as easily examining the oral cavity.

Disclosure of the Invention

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve t he problems involved in the prior art, and to provide an intraoral imaging system using X -ray capable of displaying X-ray images on a screen to monitor the X -ray image. In order to accomplished the above -mentioned object, the present invention provides an intraoral imaging system comprising: a sensor including: a casing having an opened front and a cavity therein; an elbow -shaped protrusion tube fixed to a rear of the casing; an intensifier fixed to a front of the casing for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X -ray projector into a visible ray; a condenser lens fixed to a front of the protrusion tube for collecting the light passed through the intensifier and transferring the light to reflecting means; and the reflecting means for reflecting the light passed through the condenser lens at a right angle and transferring the light to a fiberscope; the fiberscope for guiding the light reflected through the reflecting means to an eye lens through an object lens; a recording unit for recording the light passed through the eye lens of the fiberscope; an A/D converter for receiving an image signal recorded by the recording unit and converting the signal into a monochrome scale; and a monitor for displaying an image formed by the A/D converter on a screen.

A micro camera is employed in a second embodiment, a CCD is employed in a third embodiment, a CMOS is employed in a fourth embodiment, a TFT is employed in a fifth embodiment, an image intensifier is employed in a sixth embodiment, and the fixing location of the micro camera is varied in a seventh embodiment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above objects, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the preferred embodime nt thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor of the present invention . Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a first preferred embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a second preferred embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a third preferred embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a fourth preferred embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a fifth preferred embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a sixth preferred embodiment. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a seventh preferred embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompan ying drawings. Since several units and devices (e.g., a fiberscope, an intensifier, a recording unit, an A/D converter, a monitor, a micro camera, a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), an image sensor, a thin fil m transistor (TFT), an image intensifier (II) and so forth) have been used in various industrial and medical fields, the software, controller and method of operating these units and devices are widely known in the art. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will be omitted therein.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor of the present invention . A casing has a dimension of 20 to 30 mm width, 30 to 40 mm length and 10 mm thickness such that it is easily inserted into an oral cavity. Of course, the configuration of the sensor is not limited to the rectangular shape shown in Fig. 1, and it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the shape thereof may be varied such as a circular or elliptical shape. Therefore, the shape and dimensions of th e sensor is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a first preferred embodiment, in which the embodiment is fundamental to the present invention. A casing 10 having a cavity therein is provided at its front with an intensifier 14 for converting the light irradiated from an X -ray projector 5 into a visible ray. Also, the casing 10 is provided at its rear with an elbow -shaped protrusion tube 12. It is understood by one skilled in the art that the protrusion tube 12 may be fixed to the casing at an obtuse angle. One example of the protrusion tube fixed at a right angle to the casing is shown and described therein, but since the case that the protrusion tube is fixed to the casing at the obtuse angle is easily predicted from the Fig. 2, the case is not additionally shown in the accompanying drawings. The casing and protrusion tube may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The protrusion tube 12 is provi ded at a portion in close to the intensifier 14 with a condenser lens 16 having a wide -angle of 120 degrees for collecting the light passed through the intensifier 14. The visible ray passed through the intensifier 14 travels through the protrusion tube 12, and then is reflected at a right angle by reflecting means 20 fixed to a right -angle portion of the protrusion tube 12. And, the visible ray travels to an eye lens 34 through an object lens 32 of a fiberscope 30 coupled to a lower portion of the protru sion tube 12. The visible ray passed through the eye lens 34 is recorded by a recording unit 40. Simultaneously, the recording unit 40 transfers the recorded image signal to an A/D converter 50 to convert it into a monochrome scale, and then the signal i s displayed on a monitor 60 as a picture.

The recording unit 40 comprises a camcorder, a digital camera and a closed -circuit TV (CCTV). The reflecting means comprises a mirror and a right triangle-type prism for reflecting and transferring the light at a right angle. The fiberscope may be replace with an image bundle used for an endoscope. The image bundle used for the endoscope made of optical fiber may be replaced with a rigid scope or a bore scope consisting of a lens. Although these scopes are not flexible as the image bundle, but is somewhat rigid, they may be used as the fiberscope.

If the object lens 32 is omitted, there is no problem in the fiberscope. Meanwhile, one end of the fiberscope 30 may be connected to the protrusion tube 12 by means of a fastening band 80. Of course, the other end of the fiberscope 30 to which the eye lens 34 is attached may be connected to the recording unit 40 by means of an additional fixing member 70. A polarized light filter may be further disposed between the intensifier 14 and the condenser lens 16 so as to restrain the light passed through the intensifier from being dispersed. In addition, a concave lens may be further disposed between the intensifier 14 and the condenser lens 16 so as to collect the light passed through the intensifier upon the condenser lens 16. The concave lens is concentric with the condenser lens 16. The intensifier 14 comprises an identifying sheet with fluorescent paint coated on a surface of a aluminum or paper, an X -ray detecting gas chamber, and amorphous silicon and so forth. Since the intensifier is well known in the art for converting the X-ray into the visible ray, the description thereof will be omitted.

With the construction of the intraoral imaging system according to the fir st embodiment of the present invention, after the sensor is inserted into a mouth of a patient and is located at a position to be pictured, the X -ray projector 5 irradiates the X-ray toward the sensor. The irradiated X -ray is converted into the visible ray through the intensifier 14. After the visible ray is collected through the condenser lens 16, it is transferred at a right angle to the reflecting means 20. And then, the visible ray travels through the object lens 32, the fiberscope 30 and the eye len s 34. The visible ray passed through the eye lens 34 is recorded by the recording unit 40, and simultaneously, the recording unit 40 transfers the recorded image signal to the A/D converter 50. The A/D converter 50 converts the signal transferred from th e recording unit 50 it into the monochrome scale, and then the signal is displayed on the monitor 60. Preferably, the signal outputted as the image is consistently stored by a storing medium. The monitor may be replaced with a monitor for a computer, monitor specially manufactured for medical purpose, VCR, TV and so forth. Therefore, multipoint telemedicine for the oral cavity may be easily implemented. The intraoral information pictured may be stored in a computer of the patient, as well as the dentist. In addition, precise diagnosis and consultation will be quickly carried out.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a second preferred embodiment, in which the present embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment, except for using a micro camera 90. In stead of the fiberscope or the image bundle for endoscope, the micro camera 90 is installed at a lower portion of the protrusion tube 12, such that it takes a picture of the light passed through the reflecting means 20, and transfers it to the A/C converter 50 to display the image on the monitor 60.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a seventh preferred embodiment, in which the present embodiment is substantially similar to the second embodiment, except that a protrusion tube 12a is fixed at a right angle to a rear of the casing 10, and the micro camera 90 shown in the second embodiment is omitted. The micro camera 90 is installed at the protrusion tube 12a, such that the visible ray passed through the condenser lens 16 is directly transferred to the micro camera 90. The embodiment may be very easily varied from the second embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a third preferred embodiment, in which the construction thereof is different from those of the first, second and seventh embodiments. Specifically, although the intensifier 14 is commonly employed, the sensor of the first, second and seventh embodiments is replaced with a CCD 100, and an image processor 100 is employed. With the construction, the visible ray passed through the intensifier 14 is collected by the CCD 100, and then is transferred to the image processor 110. The image processor serves as a composer of composing a light signal transferred from the CCD 100. The composed signal is transferred to the monitor 60 for displaying the image on a screen as described above. Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a fourth preferred embodimen t, in which in stead of the CCD 100, a CMOS 100a is employed. The CMOS 100a is adapted to convert the light passed through the intensifier into the visible ray and transfer the converted ray to the image processor. Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an intraor al imaging system according to a fifth preferred embodiment, in which the present embodiment is substantially similar to the third and fourth embodiments, except that a TFT 120 for converting the light passed through the intensifier into the visible ray an d transfer the converted ray to the image processor, in stead of the CCD 100 or CMOS 100a. Since the TFT 120 is adapted to have a function of the intensifier 14, the intensifier 14 will be removed and only the TFT will be employed.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of an intraoral imaging system according to a sixth preferred embodiment, in which the present embodiment is substantially similar to the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, except that a II 140 for converting the light passed through the intensifier into the visible ray and transfer the converted ray to the image processor 130, in stead of the CCD, CMOS, or TFT.

Meanwhile, in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments, the A/C converter 50 is installed between the image processor and the monitor. However, if the A/D converter is not eliminated, the function required in the present invention may be carried out.

It will be understood by the one skilled in the art that the third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments may be easily conceived from the fi rst and second embodiments, in which the embodiments are commercially available.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated herein with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Industrial Applicability

As apparent from the above description, the light pictured on the oral cavity using the X-ray is converted into the visible ray, and the ray is recorded by the recorder to transfer to the A/C converter for displaying the image on the monitor. The recorder is displayed with the micro camera, or the CCD, CMOS, the TFT and II are employed, thereby providing the improved intraoral imaging system. Compared with the conventional X -ray apparatus, Therefore, the intraoral information pictured may be stored in a computer of the patient, as well as the dentist. In addition, precise diagnosis and consultation will be quickly carried out.

Claims

1. An intraoral imaging system comprising: a sensor including: a casing 10 having an opened front and a cavity therein; an elbow -shaped protrusion tube 12 fixed to a rear of the casing 10; an intensifier 14 fixed to a front of the casing 10 for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X-ray projector 5 into a visible ray; a condenser lens 16 fixed to a front of the protrusion tube 12 for collecting the light passed through the intensifier 14 and transferring the light to reflecting means; and the reflecting means for reflecting the light passed through the condenser lens at a right angle and transferring the light to a fiberscope 30; the fiberscope 30 for guiding the light reflected tlirough the reflecting means

20 to an eye lens 34 through an object lens 32; a recording unit 40 for recording the light passed through the eye lens 34 of the fiberscope 30; an A/D converter 50 for receiving an image signal recorded by the recording unit 40 and converting the signal into a monochrome scale; and a monitor 60 for displaying an image formed by the A/D converter 50 on a screen.

2. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fiberscope 30 is replaced with an image bundle used for an endoscope.

3. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein t he reflecting means 20 is a prism.

4. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reflecting means 20 is a mirror.

5. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording unit 40 is a camcorder.

6. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording unit 40 is a digital camera.

7. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a polarized light filter is disposed between the intensifier 14 and the condenser lens 16 so as to restrain the light passed through the intensifier from being dispersed.

8. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a concave lens is disposed between the intensifier 14 and the condenser lens 16 so as to collect the light passed through the intensifier upon the condenser lens 16, and the concave lens is concentric with the condenser lens 16.

9. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object lens of the fiberscope is eliminated.

10- An intraoral imaging system comprising: a sensor including: a casing 10 having an opened front and a cavity therein; an elbow-shaped protrusion tube 12 fixed to a rear of the casing 10; an intensifier 14 fixed to a front of the casing 10 for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X-ray projector 5 into a visible ray; a condenser lens 16 fixed to a front of the protrusion tube 12 for collecting the light passed through the intensifier 14 and transferring the light to reflecting means; and the reflecting means for reflecting the light passed through the condenser lens at a right angle and transferring the light to a micro camera 90; the micro camera 90 for photographing the light reflected through the reflecting means 20 and transferring an image signal to an A/D converter 50; the A/D converter 50 for receiving the image signal pictured by the micro camera 90 and converting the signal into a monochrome scale; and a monitor 60 for displaying an image formed by the A/D converter 50 on a screen.

11. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reflecting means 20 is a prism.

12. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reflecting means 20 is a mirror.

13. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 10, w herein a polarized light filter is disposed between the intensifier 14 and the condenser lens 16 so as to restrain the light passed through the intensifier from being dispersed.

14. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 10, wherein a concave le ns is disposed between the intensifier 14 and the condenser lens 16 so as to collect the light passed through the intensifier upon the condenser lens 16, and the concave lens is concentric with the condenser lens 16.

15. An intraoral imaging system comp rising: a sensor including: a casing 10 having an opened front and a cavity therein; an elbow-shaped protrusion tube 12a fixed to a rear of the casing 10; an intensifier 14 fixed to a front of the casing 10 for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X-ray projector 5 into a visible ray; and a condenser lens 16 fixed to a front of the protrusion tube 12 for collecting the light passed through the intensifier 14 and transferring the light to a micro camera 90; the micro camera 90 disposed in concentric with the condenser lens 16 for photographing the light passed through the condenser lens 16 and transferring an image signal to an A/D converter 50; the A/D converter 50 for receiving the image signal pictured by the micr o camera 90 and converting the signal into a monochrome scale; and a monitor 60 for displaying an image formed by the A/D converter 50 on a screen.

16. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 15, wherein a polarized light filter is disposed between the intensifier 14 and the condenser lens 16 so as to restrain the light passed through the intensifier from being dispersed.

17. The intraoral imaging system as claimed in claim 15, wherein a concave lens is disposed between the intensifier 14 and the condenser lens 16 so as to collect the light passed through the intensifier upon the condenser lens 16, and the concave lens is concentric with the condenser lens 16.

18. An intraoral imaging system comprising: a sensor including: an intensifier 14 fixed to a front of the casing 10 for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X -ray projector 5 into a visible ray; and a charge coupled device 100 for converting the light passed through the intensifier 14 into an electric signal and transferring the signal to an image processor 110; the image processor 110 for composing the signal inputted from the charge coupled device 100 and transferring the composed signal to a monitor 60; and the monitor 60 for displaying an image formed by the image processor 100 on a screen.

19. An intraoral imaging system comprising: a sensor including: an intensifier 14 fixed to a front of the casing 10 for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X -ray projector 5 into a visible ray; and a CMOS 100a for converting the light passed through the intensifier 14 into an electric signal and transferring the signal to an image processor 110; the image processor 110 for composing the signal inputted from the CMOS 100a and transferring the composed signal to a monitor 60; and the monitor 60 for displaying an image formed by the image processor 100 on a screen.

20. An intraoral imaging system comprising: a sensor including: an intensifier 14 fixed to a front of the casing 10 for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X -ray projector 5 into a visible ray; and a TFT 120 for converting the light passed through the intensifier 14 into an electric signal and transferring the signal to an image processor 130; the image processor 130 for composing the signal inputted from the charge coupled device 100 and transferring the composed signal to a monitor 60; and the monitor 60 for displaying an image formed by the TFT 120 on a screen.

21. An intraoral imaging system comprising: a sensor including a TFT 120 for converting a light photographing an oral cavity into an electric signal and transferring the signal to an image processor 130; the image processor 130 for composing the signal inputt ed from the TFT 120 and transferring the composed signal to a monitor 60; and the monitor 60 for displaying an image formed by the image processor on a screen.

22. An intraoral imaging system comprising: a sensor including: an intensifier 14 fixed to a front of the casing 10 for converting a light photographing an oral cavity which is irradiated from an X -ray projector 5 into a visible ray; and an image intensifier 140 for converting the light passed through the intensifier 14 into an electric signal an d transferring the signal to an image processor 130; the image processor 130 for composing the signal inputted from the image intensifier 140 and transferring the composed signal to a monitor 60; and the monitor 60 for displaying an image formed by the im age processor on a screen.