JP4071007B2 - Dental row image reader - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dentition image reading apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dentition image reading apparatus that images the upper dentition and the lower dentition directly from the oral cavity, and in particular, images an entire dentition.
[0002]
[Background]
Conventionally, X-ray photography has been widely used as an indispensable tool for use in dentistry. In recent years, digital cameras and small CCD cameras have begun to be used for explanation to patients.
For example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-28859 proposes an imaging apparatus in which an image sensor is arranged in a hand holder and an optical fiber is arranged in a ring shape around the image sensor.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-140664 proposes a dental intraoral observation camera in which a light guide and a CCD sensor are provided at the tip head portion of a handpiece.
However, these are only images of the teeth to be treated, but not the entire dentition, so it is impossible to grasp the treatment site and the relationship between the treatment site and the normal site. There was a problem.
[0003]
As a method for taking an image of the entire dentition, disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2784690 “Method for Measuring Mouth Space and Apparatus for Implementing the Method” or Utility Model Registration No. 3056089 A “dental row image reading device” is known.
The former “method for measuring the intraoral space and an apparatus for carrying out this method” project the light beam from the light source to the teeth in the intraoral space via the deflecting device, and the reflected light from the teeth via the deflecting device. It is a method of supplying to an imaging device.
The latter “dental row image reading device” is a method in which an image sensor and a light source device are housed in a transparent container inserted into the oral cavity, and a dental row image is photographed while these are moved in the transparent container.
[0004]
Among the methods for taking an image of the entire dentition, the former “method for measuring the intraoral space and a device for carrying out this method” requires a deflecting device having a complicated shape, and it is difficult to reduce the manufacturing cost. Issues remain.
Further, since the latter “dental row image reading device” has a structure in which an image sensor and a light source device are housed in a transparent container inserted into the oral cavity, an insertion portion to be inserted into the oral cavity, that is, a transparent container is provided. There is a problem that it is large and difficult to apply to children.
[0005]
Therefore, the present applicant has previously proposed a dentition image reading apparatus that solves the above-mentioned problems in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-325453.
A sectional view of this dentition image reading apparatus is shown in FIG. This dentition image reading apparatus 1 includes an intraoral insertion part 11 to be inserted into an oral cavity having a maxillary dentition and a mandibular dentition, and an imaging optical part 21, and the intraoral insertion part 11 is provided on the front and back sides. At least one of them has a light transmission part 12 and is provided with a cavity part 13 inside, and the imaging optical part 21 is inserted into the cavity part 13 of the intraoral insertion part 11 and the light transmission part 12 is inserted. A light source 22 that transmits light to irradiate the dentition, a reflection mirror 23 that reflects the light from the dentition to the outside of the intraoral insertion portion 11, and the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 to the cavity of the intraoral insertion portion 11. A scanning unit that moves along the depth direction in the unit 13, a condenser lens 25 that condenses the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 23, and an imaging optical system that receives the light from the condenser lens 25 It is.
Here, the imaging optical system is configured to include a color CCD 26 that receives light from the condenser lens 25, and an image received by the color CCD 26 is sent to the image composition processing unit 28 via the image receiving circuit 27.
[0006]
According to such a configuration, after the intraoral insertion portion 11 is inserted into the oral cavity, the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 are positioned at predetermined positions in the cavity portion 13 of the intraoral insertion portion 11 by the scanning means. At the position, the light from the light source 22 passes through the light transmission part 12 to reach the tooth row, is reflected by the tooth row, and then reaches the color CCD 26 via the reflection mirror 23. The image received by the color CCD 26 is sent to the image composition processing unit 28 via the image receiving circuit 27. That is, the tooth row image data of the row where the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 are located is captured. Next, when the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 are stopped after moving a predetermined distance by the scanning means, the dentition image data at this position is captured. In this manner, while moving the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 by a predetermined distance, the dentition image data at each position is taken in. Finally, the data is processed by the image composition processing unit 28 with the predetermined image composition. An image of the entire dentition can be read by performing the synthesis process using the processing method.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the dentition image reading apparatus 1 having such a configuration, in order to obtain a dentition image that accurately reflects the dentition image, the distance between the dentition surface and the condensing lens 25 must be set to a certain distance or more. There is a problem. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the distance from the dentition surface to the condenser lens 25 and the angle of the light condensed on the condenser lens 25. In FIG. 6, S1 and S2 represent dentition surfaces. If the distance between the condensing lens 25 and the dentition surface S1 is short as in S1, the inner side of the dentition surface S1 (the tooth of the tooth) from the angle between the light collected by the condensing lens 25 and the dentition surface S1 The image on the back side will be taken. The dentition image photographed in this way appears to have the teeth falling outward. Therefore, in order to accurately capture the dentition image, the condenser lens 25 and the dentition surface S2 must be separated from each other as in S2.
However, if an attempt is made to secure the distance between the condensing lens 25 and the dentition surface in order to accurately capture the dentition image, the depth of the imaging optical unit 21 increases, and the dentition image reading device 1 itself is enlarged. Problem arises.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to provide a dentition image reading apparatus that can accurately photograph a dentition image and is miniaturized.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The dentition image reading apparatus according to claim 1 includes an intraoral insertion portion that is inserted into an oral cavity having a maxillary dentition and a mandibular dentition, and an imaging optical unit. A light transmitting part on at least one side of the optical fiber, and a hollow part inside. The imaging optical part is inserted into the cavity part of the intraoral insertion part and passes through the light transmitting part to form a dentition. A light source for irradiating light and a reflection mirror for reflecting the reflected light from the dentition to the outside of the intraoral insertion part, and a scanning means for moving the light source and the reflection mirror along the depth direction in the cavity of the intraoral insertion part; In a dentition image reading apparatus including a condenser lens that collects light reflected by the reflection mirror and an imaging optical system that receives light from the condenser lens, the imaging optical unit includes the reflection mirror. In the optical path from the condenser lens to the condenser lens An optical path bending mechanism including a plurality of optical path bending mirrors for reflecting light is provided, and light from the reflection mirror is received by the imaging optical system via the optical path bending mirror. And
[0010]
According to such a configuration, after the intraoral insertion portion is inserted into the oral cavity, when the light source and the reflection mirror are positioned at a predetermined position in the cavity portion of the intraoral insertion portion by the scanning means, at this position, from the light source The light passes through the light transmission part and reaches the dentition, and is reflected by the dentition. Then, the reflected light is reflected by an optical path bending mirror provided on the optical path, and then condensed by a condenser lens and reaches the imaging optical system. That is, the tooth row image of the row where the light source and the reflection mirror are located is captured. Next, when the light source and the reflecting mirror are stopped after moving a predetermined distance by the scanning means, a dentition image is captured at this position. In this way, while moving the light source and the reflecting mirror by a predetermined distance, the dentition image at that position is captured, and finally, the images of the entire dentition can be read by combining these images. it can.
[0011]
In the present invention, since the optical path bending mirror is provided, the path from the reflecting mirror to the condenser lens can be bent by multi-stage reflection in the imaging optical unit. That is, the optical path from the reflecting mirror to the condensing lens can be bent rather than straight, so that the depth of the imaging optical unit can be shortened.
Further, since the optical distance between the dentition to be photographed and the condensing lens can be sufficiently set by interposing the optical path bending mirror in the middle, an accurate dentition image can be photographed.
If the distance between the reflecting mirror and the condensing lens is simply shortened, the distance between the dentition to be photographed and the condensing lens will be shortened, so the back side of the tooth will be photographed, and an accurate dentition image will be obtained. I could not. Therefore, it has been difficult to achieve both downsizing of the imaging optical unit and accurate dentition image capturing.
However, by providing the optical path bending mechanism, both the downsizing of the imaging optical unit and accurate dentition image shooting can be made possible.
[0012]
The dentition image reading apparatus according to a second aspect is the dentition image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the optical path bending mirror is an even number.
[0013]
According to such a configuration, the image composition processing method used in the dentition image reading apparatus that does not have the optical path bending mechanism can be used as it is.
When the optical path bending mirror is not provided, the imaging optical system receives a dentition image that is reversed left and right by the reflecting mirror and is directly left and right. In other words, when the optical path bending mirror is not provided, an image composition processing method is used in which the horizontally reversed image is horizontally reversed so as to be a correct image, and the vertical direction is directly synthesized.
If there are an odd number of optical path bending mirrors, the image received by the imaging optical system is right and left and right and upside down. It becomes an image of. If the vertical direction is not inverted, for example, when a color CCD is used in the imaging optical system, there arises a problem that the order of images received by the light receiving elements that receive RGB is reversed. When the right and left directions are received in the correct direction, it is originally designed to receive an upside-down image, so that the output image is an upside-down image of the dentition. For this reason, if the number of optical path bending mirrors is an odd number, a new image composition processing method must be provided in which the image composition processing method is combined with the right and left and vertical directions as correct images.
However, if the number of optical path bending mirrors is an even number as in the present invention, the image received by the imaging optical system is the same as when no optical path bending mirror is used. Therefore, the image composition processing method used in the dentition image reading apparatus that does not use the optical path bending mirror can be used as it is, and it does not require cost and processing.
[0014]
As a preferred aspect of the present invention, as in the dentition image reading device according to claim 3, in the dentition image reading device according to claim 1, the optical path bending mechanism includes light from the reflection mirror. And a second optical path bending mirror that reflects light from the first optical path bending mirror toward the condenser lens. May be.
[0015]
Alternatively, as in the dentition image reading device according to claim 4, in the dentition image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, the optical path bending mechanism reflects light from the reflection mirror at a substantially right angle. And a second optical path bending mirror that reflects light from the first optical path bending mirror toward the condenser lens.
[0016]
According to such a configuration, the depth of the imaging optical unit can be shortened by bending the optical path with the first optical path folding mirror and the second optical path folding mirror. Even if the depth of the imaging optical unit is shortened, the first optical path folding mirror and the second optical path folding mirror can take a sufficiently long optical distance from the reflecting mirror to the condensing lens, so an accurate dentition An image can be taken. Therefore, it is possible to combine both miniaturization of the dentition image reading device and accurate dentition image photographing. In addition, since there are two optical path bending mirrors, the image composition processing method in the dentition image reading apparatus that does not use the optical path bending mirror can be used as it is.
[0017]
The dentition image reading device according to claim 5 is the dentition image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical path bending mirror has an inclination angle adjusting means for adjusting an inclination angle of a mirror. Is provided.
[0018]
According to such a configuration, the angle of the optical path bending mirror can be adjusted so that the light reflected by the reflection mirror can be guided to the condenser lens via the optical path bending mirror. For example, when a CCD that receives a line image is used in the imaging optical system, it is necessary to accurately adjust the spot of light incident on the CCD. According to the present invention, since the tilt angle adjusting means is provided, the light from the reflection mirror can be adjusted so as to be accurately incident on the spot position of the imaging optical system, and a clear dentition image is taken. be able to.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a first embodiment of a dentition image reading apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment. The basic components of this embodiment are the same as those described in the background art, but the novel point of this embodiment is that an optical path bending mechanism is provided on the optical path from the reflecting mirror to the condenser lens. It is a point.
The dentition image reading apparatus 1 includes an intraoral insertion unit 11 that is inserted into an oral cavity having an upper dentition and a lower dentition, and an imaging optical unit 21.
The intraoral insertion portion 11 has a light transmission portion 12 on at least one side of the front and back sides, and includes a hollow portion 13 inside.
The imaging optical unit 21 is inserted into the cavity 13 of the intraoral insertion unit 11 and transmits light from the light transmission unit 12 to irradiate light to the dentition and the light from the dentition to the intraoral insertion unit. 11 from the reflecting mirror 23, the condensing lens 25 that condenses the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 23, the imaging optical system that receives the light from the condensing lens 25, and the reflecting mirror 23. An optical path bending mechanism 29 that reflects light provided in the optical path to the condenser lens 25, and the light source 22, the reflection mirror 23, the condenser lens 25, the imaging optical system, and the optical path bending mechanism 29 are provided in the oral cavity. And a scanning means that moves along the depth direction in the cavity 13 of the inner insertion portion 11.
[0020]
As the light source 22, various types such as a cathode tube and a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at right angles to the depth direction in the oral cavity can be used.
The imaging optical system includes a color CCD 26 that receives light from the condenser lens. The image received by the color CCD 26 is sent to the image composition processing unit 28 via the image receiving circuit 27.
The optical path bending mechanism 29 includes a first optical path bending mirror 29A and a second optical path bending mirror 29B. The first optical path folding mirror 29A is arranged so as to reflect the light from the reflection mirror 23 at a reflection angle of about 45 degrees, and the second optical path folding mirror 29B is a color beam for the light from the first optical path folding mirror 29A. It arrange | positions so that it may reflect toward CCD26.
As shown in FIG. 3, the first optical path bending mirror 29 </ b> A and the second optical path bending mirror 29 </ b> B are formed by a support body 30 having a U-shaped cross section and a rotation support shaft 31 inserted through both sides of the support body 30. The mirror 32 is supported, and an adjustment knob 33 is connected to the rotation support shaft 31 and adjusts the tilt angle of the mirror 32. The tilt angle adjusting means is configured as described above.
The scanning means includes a scanning base 24 on which the light source 22, the reflection mirror 23, the condenser lens 25, the color CCD 26, and the optical path bending mechanism 29 are placed, and a motor (not shown) that moves the scanning base 24.
[0021]
According to such a configuration, after the intraoral insertion portion 11 is inserted into the oral cavity, the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 are positioned at predetermined positions in the cavity portion 13 of the intraoral insertion portion 11 by the scanning means. At the position, the light from the light source 22 passes through the light transmission part 12 to reach the dentition and is reflected by the dentition. Then, the reflected light is reflected by the first optical path bending mirror 29A provided on the optical path, and then reflected by the second optical path bending mirror 29B. The light reflected by the second optical path bending mirror 29B is condensed by the condenser lens 25 and reaches the color CCD 26. The image received by the color CCD 26 is sent to the image composition processing unit 28 via the image receiving circuit 27. That is, the tooth row image of the row where the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 are located is captured. Next, when the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 are stopped after moving a predetermined distance by the scanning means, a dental row image is captured at this position.
In this manner, while moving the light source 22 and the reflection mirror 23 by a predetermined distance, the dentition image at that position is captured, and finally, these images are subjected to image composition processing by the image composition processing unit 28. The image of the entire dentition can be read.
[0022]
In the present invention, since the optical path bending mechanism 29 is provided, the optical path from the reflection mirror 23 to the condenser lens 25 can be bent in the imaging optical unit 21. That is, the optical path from the reflecting mirror 23 to the condensing lens 25 can be bent instead of a straight line, so that the depth of the imaging optical unit 21 can be shortened.
Further, by interposing the optical path bending mechanism 29 in the middle, a sufficient optical distance between the dentition to be photographed and the condensing lens 25 can be taken, and an accurate dentition image can be photographed. Therefore, both downsizing of the image pickup optical unit 21 and accurate dentition image shooting can be performed.
[0023]
Since the tilt angle adjusting means is provided, the first and second optical path bending are performed so that the light reflected by the reflection mirror 23 can be guided to the color CCD 26 via the first and second optical path bending mirrors 29A and 29B. The angles of the mirrors 29A and 29B can be adjusted. Therefore, the light from the reflection mirror 23 can be accurately adjusted to the spot position of the color CCD 26, and a clear dentition image can be taken.
[0024]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the dentition image reading apparatus of the present invention.
The second embodiment has the same basic components as the first embodiment, but differs in the arrangement of the first optical path bending mirror 29A and the second optical path bending mirror 29B.
The first optical path bending mirror 29A is disposed so as to reflect light from the reflection mirror 23 at a substantially right angle, and the second optical path bending mirror 29B directs the light from the first optical path bending mirror 29A toward the color CCD 26. It is provided to reflect.
Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, both downsizing of the imaging optical unit 21 and accurate dentition image shooting can be performed.
[0025]
Note that the dentition image reading apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the number of optical path bending mirrors is not limited, but an even number is preferable. This is because if the number of optical path bending mirrors is an even number, the image composition processing method of the dentition image reading apparatus that does not use the optical path bending mirror can be used as it is.
The arrangement of the optical path bending mirror is not particularly limited as long as the optical distance between the reflecting mirror and the condensing lens is sufficiently secured and the depth direction of the imaging optical unit is shortened.
The tilt angle adjusting means is not limited to the above embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as it has a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the mirror.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the dentition image reading apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to take an excellent effect that the dentition image reading apparatus can be accurately photographed and the dentition image reading apparatus can be miniaturized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a first embodiment according to a dentition image reading apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a view showing an optical path bending mirror in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment according to the dentition image reading apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a previously proposed dental image reading apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a model diagram illustrating a relationship between a distance between a condensing lens and a dentition surface.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dental row image reader 11 Intraoral insertion part 12 Light transmission part 13 Cavity part 21 Imaging optical part 22 Light source 23 Reflection mirror 25 Condensing lens 29 Optical path bending mechanism 26 Color CCD (imaging optical system)

Claims (5)

An intraoral insertion portion to be inserted into the oral cavity having a maxillary dentition and a mandibular dentition, and an imaging optical unit,
The intraoral insertion part has a light transmission part on at least one of the front and back sides, and has a hollow part inside,
The imaging optical unit is inserted into a cavity portion of the intraoral insertion portion, transmits a light through the light transmission portion, and reflects light reflected from the dentition to the outside of the intraoral insertion portion. Reflecting mirror, scanning means for moving the light source and the reflecting mirror along the depth direction in the cavity of the oral cavity insertion portion, a condensing lens for condensing light reflected by the reflecting mirror, and the condensing lens In a dentition image reading apparatus comprising an imaging optical system that receives light from
The imaging optical unit is provided with an optical path bending mechanism configured to include a plurality of optical path bending mirrors that reflect light in an optical path from the reflection mirror to the condenser lens. The dentition image reading apparatus, wherein light is received by the imaging optical system through the optical path bending mirror. The dentition image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
The dentition image reading apparatus, wherein the optical path bending mirror is an even number. The dentition image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The optical path bending mechanism reflects the light from the reflection mirror toward the reflection mirror and the light from the first optical path bending mirror toward the condenser lens. A dental row image reading device comprising a second optical path bending mirror. The dentition image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The optical path bending mechanism includes a first optical path bending mirror that reflects light from the reflection mirror at a substantially right angle, and a second optical path that reflects light from the first optical path bending mirror toward the condenser lens. A dentition image reading apparatus comprising a folding mirror. In the dentition image reading apparatus in any one of Claims 1-4,
The optical path bending mirror is provided with a tilt angle adjusting means for adjusting a tilt angle of the mirror.

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