WO2005110234A1

WO2005110234A1 - Intra-oral fluoroscoping device having optical fiber rod for dental treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2005110234A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/001296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dae Yeun Kim
Original assignee: Dae Yeun Kim
Priority date: 2004-05-04
Filing date: 2005-05-04
Publication date: 2005-11-24
Also published as: KR200358845Y1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved intra-oral fluoroscoping device that can be easily put into the mouth and disposed on the affected part without iterrupting medical treatment in order to let the dentist observe the real-time image information while the dentist is performing a medical treatment and can always provide an erect image regardless of the position of the affected part. An intra-oral fluoroscoping device comprises an image transmission means that is formed of an optical fiber rod including a body; and a head being formed at a certain angle to the axis of the body, the head having the X-ray detecting means at one end and being inserted into the mouth.

Description

INTRA-ORAL FLUOROSCOPING DEVICE HAVING OPTICAL FIBER ROD FOR DENTAL TREATMENT Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an intra-oral photographing device, and more particularly, to an intra-oral fluoroscoping device having optical fiber rod for dental treatment that can be easily put into the mouth without iterrupting medical treatment by minimizing the size of X-ray detecting means for detecting X-rays transmitted to the intra-oral affected part and image transmission means for transmitting image information, thereby a dentist can perform a medical treatment on the basis of real-time intra-oral image information.

[2] Background Art

[3] It is very important to examine accurately the state of an intra-oral part which needs dental treatment (that is, an affected part) in order to perform a medical treatment properly in such cases as implanting an artificial teeth in a gum, performing an orthodontics and performing an operation on the gum, etc.

[4]

[5] A film and a radiation such as X-rays have been widely used in the field to observe the intra-oral state of the patient. That is, the film is usually disposed behind the affected part of the patient and fixed by patient's hand or tongue, and then the X-rays are transmitted to the teeth. Finally the film is exposed to the transmitted X-rays and forms an image showing the state of the affected part. Accordingly, the dentist can obtain intra-oral information of the patient for a dental treatment to the patient by developing and then observing the developed film.

[6]

[7] However, the aforementioned method has a couple of disadvantages as follows. According to the aforementioned method, the film is easy to move as the patient moves. Therefore, in such a case, the exact image of the affected part cannot be abtained unless the affected part is photographed again. Besides, the affected teeth have to be photographed by above-mentioned method for a more proper dental treatment each time dental treatment is done. Moreover, the film must be usually developed after photographing the teeth for the dentist to observe the developed film to understand the exact state of the affected teeth. However, because a size of the film is usually very small, the dentist may misread the developed film.

[8] [9] To overcome above-mentioned problems, some devices have been proposed wherein an X-ray detecting means for detecting X-rays transmitted into a mouth, an image transmission means for transmitting the detected X-ray image information and an image processing means for processing the image information transmitted from the image processing means are unified in one body in order to be inserted into the mouth.

[10] According to the above-mentioned devices, the dentist can observe the exact state of the intra-oral affected part without using the separate films. But the size of the device are relatively large to be inserted into the mouth, so that it is impossible to perform a dental treatment with the device in the mouth.

[11]

[12] In order to achieve the object of securing the space for dental treatment and inserting into a mouth easily, the applicant has filed a PCT international application about an intra-oral fluoroscope, numbered PCT/KR02/01649. In the PCT international application, the applicant discloses the device wherein an X-ray detecting means is inserted into the mouth and disposed on an affected part, the transmitted X-ray image information is transformed into visible ray and then the visible ray is transmitted to the external image processing means and processed. However, it is actually difficult for the X-ray detecting means to be inserted into a relatively narrow mouth and detect image information of the afected part, so that the device couldn't achieve the object of securing the space for dental treatment and inserting into a mouth easily.

[13] Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[14] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an intra-oral fluoroscoping device that substantially obviates one or more of problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[15]

[16] An object of the present invention is to provide an intra-oral fluoroscoping device that can be easily put into the mouth and disposed on the affected part without iterrupting medical treatment.

[17]

[ 18] Another object of the present invention is to provide an intra-oral fluoroscoping device that can let the dentist observe the real-time image information while the dentist is performing a medical treatment.

[19]

[20] Another object of the present invention is to provide an intra-oral fluoroscoping device that can always provide an erect image regardless of the position of the affected part.

[21] Technical Solution

[22] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, in an intra-oral fluoroscoping device comprising an X-ray detecting means for generating visible ray image information on an affected part by interacting with the transmitted X-rays, an image transmission means for transmitting the image information detected at the X-ray detecting means to the outside of the mouth and an optical processing means for processing image information transmitted from the image transmission means, the image transmission means being formed of an optical fiber rod comprises a body; and a head being formed at a certain angle to the axis of the body, the head having the X- ray detecting means at one end and being inserted into the mouth.

[23] In the above, the head may be formed at an angle more than 0° and less than or equal to 90°.

[24] In the above, an image information concentrating means that comprises a lens being opposite to an end of the head, an X-ray detecting means spaced apart from the lens and a casing fixing the lens and the X-ray detecting means and being connected to the head may be disposed at the head instead of the X-ray detecting means.

[25] In the above, a grid plate that has plurality of horizontal lines and vertical lines to divide the space may be added to the X-ray detecting means.

[26] In the above, a light amplification means may be formed at the other end of the image transmission means, a diameter of the upper portion of the light amplification means being formed bigger than a diameter of the lower portion of the light amplification means.

[27] In the above, the optical processing means may comprise a housing including a first body that has a penetration hole at one end and a first connector at the other open end and a second body that has a second connector connected to the first connector at an open end, the image transmission means being inserted into the penetration hole, the second body rotating against the first body; and an optical processing device installed in the housing, the optical processing device processing an image information transmitted from the image transmission means.

[28] In the above, an image intensifier tube may be added between the image transmission means and the optical processing means.

[29] In another aspect, in an intra-oral fluoroscoping device comprising an X-ray detecting means for generating visible ray image information on an affected part by interacting with the transmitted X-rays, an image transmission means for transmitting the image information detected at the X-ray detecting means to the outside of the mouth and an optical processing means for processing image information transmitted from the image transmission means, the image transmission means is formed of an optical fiber rod, at least one end surface of the image transmission means being formed at a certain angle to the axis of the optical fiber rod, the image transmission means having the X- ray detecting means at the one end surface that is inserted into the mouth.

[30] In the above, each end surface of the image transmission means may be formed at an angle between 0° and 180°.

[31] In the above, a grid plate that has plurality of horizontal lines and vertical lines to divide the space may be added to the X-ray detecting means.

[32] In the above, a light amplification means may be formed at the other end of the image transmission means, a diameter of the upper portion of the light amplification means being formed bigger than a diameter of the lower portion of the light amplification means.

[33] In the above, the optical processing means may comprise a housing including a first body that has a penetration hole at one end and a first connector at the other open end and a second body that has a second connector connected to the first connector at an open end, the image transmission means being inserted into the penetration hole, the second body rotating against the first body; and an optical processing device installed in the housing, the optical processing device processing an image information transmitted from the image transmission means.

[34] In the above, an image intensifier tube may be added between the image transmission means and the optical processing means.

[35] In another aspect, in an intra-oral fluoroscoping device comprising an X-ray detecting means for generating visible ray image information on an affected part by interacting with the transmitted X-rays, an image transmission means for transmitting the image information detected at the X-ray detecting means to the outside of the mouth and an optical processing means for processing image information transmitted from the image transmission means, the image transmission means comprises a first optical rod having the X-ray detecting means at one end, the first optical rod being inserted into the mouth; a second optical rod spaced apart from the first optical rod; an optical fiber bundle being formed of plurality of optical fiber, the plurality of optical fiber connecting the first optical rod and the second optical rod; and a fixing means connected to the first optical rod.

[36] In the above, the fixing means may comprise a fixing ring added onto an outer surface of the first optical rod and a guide stick connected to an outer surface of the fixing ring.

[37] In the above, a grid plate that has plurality of horizontal lines and vertical lines to divide the space may be added to the X-ray detecting means.

[38] In the above, a light amplification means may be formed at an end surface of the second optical rod, a diameter of the upper portion of the light amplification means being formed bigger than a diameter of the lower portion of the light amplification means.

[39] In the above, the optical processing means may comprise a housing including a first body that has a penetration hole at one end and a first connector at the other open end and a second body that has a second connector connected to the first connector at an open end, the second optical rod being inserted into the penetration hole, the second body rotating against the first body; and an optical processing device installed in the housing, the optical processing device processing an image information transmitted from the second optical rod.

[40] In the above, an image intensifier tube may be added between the second optical rod and the optical processing means.

[41] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

[42] Advantageous Effects

[43] According to the present invention, even if the image transmission means is inserted into the mouth, medical treatment is not interrupted by the image transmission means and can be performed while watching the image information on the intra-oral affected part on a real time base. [44] In addition, the intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to the present invention can always provide a dentist with an information on the affected part in an erect image regardless of the position of the affected part so that more accurate dental treatment can be performed. [45] Brief Description of the Drawings [46] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image transmission means according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [47] FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of modifications of an image transmission means of the first embodiment of the present invention. [48] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an image transmission means according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [49] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an image transmission means according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [50] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an image information concentrating means according to the present invention. [51] FIG. 7 is a plane view of a grid plate according to the present invention.

[52] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an optical processing means according to the present invention. [53] FIGS. 9 and 10 are illustrating the change of the state of the image information processed in an optical processing means according to the present invention. [54] Mode for the Invention [55] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [56] [57] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image transmission means according to a first embodiment of the present invention. An image transmission means according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a body 120 and a head 160. The body 120 and the head 160 are formed in a single body. [58] The head 160 is a part inserted into the mouth and disposed at an intra-oral affected part. It is desirable that the head 160 be bent at a certain angle 0 to the axis of the body 120 and the value of angle 0 be selected from the range 0°< 0 < 90°. [59] The value of the angle is selected in consideration of many variables, but it is desirable that easy insertion into the mouth, easy performing of medical treatment, etc is synthetically taken into consideration. [60] An X-ray detecting means 500 is disposed at one end of the head 160. The X-ray detecting means 500 generates visible ray image information on the intra-oral affected part by interacting with the X-ray transmitted from an X-ray irradiator (not shown in the figure). [61] The X-ray detecting means 500 may desirably be selected from the group consisting of a fluorescent screen, a intensifying screen and a faceplate having a fluorescent material. The fluorescent material may be selected from the group consisting of calcium tungstate (CaWO4), lanthanide (La series), CsI(TI), CsI(Na), NaΙ(Η), ZnS and ZnS(Ag),etc. [62] The image transmission means 100 is for transmitting the image information on the state of the affected parts of the mouth that is detected as the visible rays at the X-ray detecting means 500 to an optical processing means 600 that will be mentioned later. The image transmission means 100 may desirably be formed optical fiber rod considering the image information is transmitted as a form of visible rays. [63] The thickness, length, etc of the image transmission means 100 may be freely decided so that the image transmission means 100 can be disposed easily at the affected part in the mouth and a dentist can perform a dental treatment in a state in which the image transmission means 100 is inserted into the mouth.

[64] And a light amplification means 180 for amplifying the transmitted image information may be diposed at an end of the image transmission means 100. It is desirable to form the light amplification means 180 tapered. That is, it is desirable to form a diameter of the upper portin of the light amplification means 180 bigger than a diameter of the lower portion of the light amplification means 180 in order to maximize the effect of concentrating image information.

[65] Moreover, an image information concentrating means 600 as shown in FIG. 6 may be disposed at an end of the image transmission means 100 instead of X-ray detecting means 500. The image information concentrating means 600 comprises a lens 620, an X-ray detecting means 640 and a casing 660. The lens 620 is disposed in a position opposite to the head 160, the X-ray detecting means 640 is spaced apart from the lens 620 in a certain distance, and the casing 660 is for fixing the lens 620 and the X-ray detecting means 640 and is connected to the outer surface of an end of the head 160.

[66] The X-ray detecting means 640 generates image information on the affected part by interacting with the X-ray transmitted to the intra-oral affected part like the X-ray detecting means 500 shown in the FIG. 1. And the lens 620 is for collecting an image information generated from the X-ray detecting means 640 and transmitting the image information to the head 160. Generally the lens 620 is a convex lens.

[67] If the said image information concentrating means 600 is disposed on the head 160, more image information can be collected than the case where the head 160 has only the X-ray detecting means 500.

[68] An element 140 that is not described yet is a protecting layer for protecting the image transmission means 100 and the X-ray detecting means 500. The protecting layer 140 is formed of at least one material selected from various materials.

[69] FIG. 2 is illustrating a modification of the first embodiment of the image transmission means 100. According to this modification, more image information on an affected part can be obtained by making a diameter of an end surface of the head 162 bigger and keeping wide contact area between the X-ray detecting means 500 and the end surface of the head 162. And an image information transmitted to the optical processing means can be concentrated by making a diameter of an end surface of a body 122 smaller.

[70] FIG. 3 is illustrating another modification of the first embodiment of the image transmission means 100. Contrary to the modification of FIG. 2, an image information transmitted to the optical processing means can be magnified by by making a diameter of an end surface of a body 124 bigger. [71] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an image transmission means according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The image transmission means 200 may comprise a body 220 and both end surfaces 222 and 224 that is formed at a certain angle 0 to the axis of the body 220.

[72] The value of the angle 0 can be selected from the range 0°<θ< 180°. And the same standard for selecting the value of angle as the first embodiment can be applied.

[73] It is desirable that the body 220 be formed of a optical fiber rod.

[74] The elements 240 and 500 are a protecting layer and a X-ray detecting means, repectively. The explanatin for the protecting layer 140 and the X-ray detecting means 500 of the first embodiment is identically applicable to the protecting layer 240 and the X-ray detecting means 500 of the second embodiment. And the light amplification means 180 can be added, too.

[75] FIG. 5 is illustrating a third embodiment of an image transmission according to the present invention. An image transmission means 300 may comprise a first optical rod 320, a second optical rod 340, an optical fiber bundle 360 and fixing means 390.

[76] The first optical rod 320 has the X-ray detecting means 500 at one end surface and is located near the affected part in the mouth. The optical fiber bundle 360 connects the other end surface of the first optical rod 320 with one end surface of the second optical rod 340. And the othe end of the second optical rod 340 is inserted into a housing 900 that will be mentioned later.

[77] The image information on the affected part transmitted from the X-ray detecting means 500 is transmitted to the first optical rod 320, the optical fiber bundle 360, the second optical fiber 340 in order and then transmitted to the optical processing means.

[78] It is desirable that the first optical rod 320 and the second optical fiber 340 be formed of optical fiber rod respectively.

[79] The fixing means 390 is for fixing the first optical rod 320 to the affected partin the mouth. And the fixing means 390 comprises a fixing fing 392 connected onto an outer surface of the first optical rod 320, connecting means 396 formed on an outer surface of the fixing ring 392, and a guide stick 394 connected to the connecting means 396, i.e., one end of the guide stick 394 is connected to the connecting means 396.

[80] The shape of the guide stick 394 is not defined as shown in the FIG. 5, and a fixing device like a clip may be added to the other end of the guide stick 394.

[81] An element 380 is a protecting tube for protecting the optical fiber bundle 360 or providing a certain solidity for the flexible optical fiber bundle 360. And the light amplification means 180 of the first embodiment may be added to the second optical rod 340.

[82] A grid plate 400 as shown in FIG. 7 may be added to the X-ray detecting means 500 disposed on one end of the image transmission means 100, 200 and 300. [83] The grid plate 400 comprises a plate 440, plurality of horizontal lines 420 and vertical lines 460. It is desirable that the plate 440 be formed of a transparent film, but the material of the plate 440 is not limited to the the transparent film.

[84] The plurality of horizontal and vertical lines 420 and 460 are for dividing the space of the detected image information on the intra-oral affected part. And it is desirable that the horizontal and the vertical lines 420 and 460 be formed on the plate 440 regularly by using the radiation resistant materials like lead.

[85] The distance between the lines may be freely decided, and the horizontal and the vertical lines 420 and 460 may be graduated.

[86] FIG. 8 is illustrating an optical processing means according to the present invention. An optical processing means comprises a housing 900 and a optical processing device 800.

[87] The housing 900 includes a first body 920 and a second body 960.

[88] The first body 920 has a penetration hole 922 at one end and has a first connector 926 at the other end. And the other end of the first body 920 is open.

[89] The second body 960 has a second connector 966 corresponding to the first coonector 926 of the first body 920 at one end that is open, and thus the second body 960 can rotate against the first body 920.

[90] The end portion of the body 120 of the first embodiment, the body 220 of the second embodiment and the second optical rod 340 of the third embodiment is inserted into the penetration hole 922.

[91] In FIG. 8, the first connector 926 is protruded in a ring shape along the outer surface of the open end of the first body 920, the second connector 966 is formed of a groove along the inner surface of the second body 960 and then the first connector 926 is coonected to the second connector 966. But it is not limited to the shape of the FIG. 8, if the first body 920 and the second body 960 can be connected to each other and the second body 960 can rotate against the first body 920, any connecting structure can be applied.

[92] The optical processing means 800 is for acquiring image information from the image transmission means 100, 200 and 300 and then processing the image information into static or moving pictures. The image acquisition and process means 600 mainly includes a lens and a CCD camera having a CCD (charged coupled device) and a circuit board. The optical processing means 800 may includes one of MOS (metal oxide semiconductor), CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor),CCD, a digital camera and a camcorder. The optical processing means 800 may alternatively includes one of an area detector, a scan detector and a hybrid detector for providing a moving picture by processing the image information data on a real time base. The scan detector has a higher resolution than the area detector and the hybrid detector has both advantages of the area detector and the scan detector. The optical processing means 800 may alternatively includes one of a storage phosphor image plate, a photo diode and a TFT(thin film transistor). The storage phosphor image plate can acquire a digital picture by forming a latent image on an image plate using X-rays and then scanning the latent image using a laser. The photo diode can transform the photographed picture formed by X-rays into images and the TFT can provide a picture having a high resolution. The more details about the above-mentioned devices for the optical processing means 800 will be omitted because they are all well known to the skilled person in the field.

[93] Meanwhile, an image intensifier tube may be further added between the optical processing device 800 in the housing 900 and an end of the image transmission means inserted through the penetration hole 922. The image transmission means is one of the boby 120 of the first embodiment, the body 220 of the second embodiment and the second optical rod 340 of third embodiment.

[94] An operation principle of the present invention is as follows. One end of the image transmission means 100 to which the X-ray detecting means 500 is formed is put into a mouth of a patient and located near the affected parts that need a radioactive examination and then the X-rays are applied to the affected parts by an external X-ray irradiator (not shown in the figure). The irradiated X-ray is transmitted to the X-ray detecting means 500 passing through the affected parts such as teeth that needs a dental treatment. The transmitted X-rays have information on the state of the affected parts. The transmitted X-rays generate visible rays by interacting with the X-ray detecting means 500 and the image information on the intra-oral state is transformed from X- rays into visible rays.

[95] The visible rays generated from the X-ray detecting means 500 is transmitted to the optical processing device 800 in the housing 900 passing through the head 160 and the body 120 that is formed of optical fiber rod. And then the optical processing device 800 processes the transmitted image information and displays it on the display unit.

[96] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 9, the image information on the intra-oral affected part may be displayed at an angle according to the relative position of the affected part and the head 160 disposed near the affected part. In such a case, the erect image can be displayed on the display unit if the second body 960 is turned properly.

[97] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the the intra-oral fluoroscoping device having optical fiber rod for dental treatment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] In an intra-oral fluoroscoping device comprising an X-ray detecting means for generating visible ray image information on an affected part by interacting with the transmitted X-rays, an image transmission means for transmitting the image information detected at the X-ray detecting means to the outside of the mouth and an optical processing means for processing image information transmitted from the image transmission means, the image transmission means being formed of an optical fiber rod, comprising: a body; and a head being formed at a certain angle to the axis of the body, the head having the X-ray detecting means at one end and being inserted into the mouth.

[2] In an intra-oral fluoroscoping device comprising an X-ray detecting means for generating visible ray image information on an affected part by interacting with the transmitted X-rays, an image transmission means for transmitting the image information detected at the X-ray detecting means to the outside of the mouth and an optical processing means for processing image information transmitted from the image transmission means, the image transmission means being formed of an optical fiber rod, at least one end surface of the image transmission means being formed at a certain angle to the axis of the optical fiber rod, the image transmission means having the X-ray detecting means at the one end surface that is inserted into the mouth.

[3] In an intra-oral fluoroscoping device comprising an X-ray detecting means for generating visible ray image information on an affected part by interacting with the transmitted X-rays, an image transmission means for transmitting the image information detected at the X-ray detecting means to the outside of the mouth and an optical processing means for processing image information transmitted from the image transmission means, the image transmission means, comprising: a first optical rod having the X-ray detecting means at one end, the first optical rod being inserted into the mouth; a second optical rod spaced apart from the first optical rod; an optical fiber bundle being formed of plurality of optical fiber, the plurality of optical fiber connecting the first optical rod and the second optical rod; and a fixing means connected to the first optical rod.

[4] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to claim 1, wherein the head is formed at an angle more than 0° and less than or equal to 90°.

[5] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to claim 1, wherein an image in- formation concentrating means that comprises a lens being opposite to an end of the head, an X-ray detecting means spaced apart from the lens and a casing fixing the lens and the X-ray detecting means and being connected to the head is disposed at the head instead of the X-ray detecting means.

[6] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to claim 2, wherein each end surface of the image transmission means is formed at an angle between 0° and 180°.

[7] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to claim 3, wherein the fixing means comprises a fixing ring added onto an outer surface of the first optical rod and a guide stick connected to an outer surface of the fixing ring.

[8] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to any of the claims 1-3 and 5, wherein a grid plate that has plurality of horizontal lines and vertical lines to divide the space is added to the X-ray detecting means.

[9] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to any of the claims 1-2, wherein a light amplification means is formed at the other end of the image transmission means, a diameter of the upper portion of the light amplification means being formed bigger than a diameter of the lower portion of the light amplification means.

[10] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to claim 3, wherein a light amplification means is formed at an end surface of the second optical rod, a diameter of the upper portion of the light amplification means being formed bigger than a diameter of the lower portion of the light amplification means.

[11] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to any of the claims 1-2, wherein the optical processing means comprises: a housing including a first body that has a penetration hole at one end and a first connector at the other open end and a second body that has a second connector connected to the first connector at an open end, the image transmission means being inserted into the penetration hole, the second body rotating against the first body; and an optical processing device installed in the housing, the optical processing device processing an image information transmitted from the image transmission means.

[12] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to claim 3, wherein the optical processing means comprises: a housing including a first body that has a penetration hole at one end and a first connector at the other open end and a second body that has a second connector connected to the first connector at an open end, the second optical rod being inserted into the penetration hole, the second body rotating against the first body; and an optical processing device installed in the housing, the optical processing device processing an image information transmitted from the second optical rod. [13] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to claim 11, wherein an image in- tensifier tube is added between the image transmission means and the optical processing means. [14] The intra-oral fluoroscoping device according to claim 12, wherein an image in- tensifier tube is added between the second optical rod and the optical processing means.