JP4713883B2 - Dental imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dental imaging apparatus that can be used to photograph teeth.

  In dentistry, the creation of dentures (inserts), crowns, and the like may be performed. In such a case, it is desired that color consistency with other teeth is taken so that it is difficult to understand at first glance that it is a denture.

  Conventionally, when determining the shade of a tooth, a color chart called a shade guide is used. In this shade guide, for example, a model having a substantially tooth shape is formed in a representative shade, and the same number of representative shades are provided as a set. The dentist brings such a shade guide close to the patient's teeth, and visually compares the shade guide number that is determined to be the closest color as the tooth shade. And by such a number, the bleaching effect at the time of tooth bleaching is confirmed, or it transmits to the dental laboratory which produces dentures etc. At the dental laboratory, the dental technician judges the color based on the transmitted shade guide number and creates a denture or the like.

  However, the conventional technology as described above may be affected by ambient light (such as illumination light) when shade determination is performed by the shade guide. In other words, the type of lighting in the room for which shade determination is performed (for example, a fluorescent light, a light bulb, etc.), or the outside light varies depending on time, weather, etc., such as morning, afternoon, evening, or clear and overcast. Because of the influence of the light of the different spectrum, it may be judged that the same patient's teeth have different shades. Furthermore, for doctors (or dental technicians) who perform shade determination, the determination results may vary greatly depending on the health condition at that time. Therefore, there is a demand for a technique for accurately obtaining a tooth shade without being affected by illumination or the influence of a judge.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a dental imaging apparatus capable of accurately acquiring a tooth shade by performing appropriate framing.

In order to achieve the above object, a dental imaging apparatus according to a first invention is an imaging mode according to a subject to be imaged, and includes an imaging mode setting means for setting an imaging mode including a tooth imaging mode, An imaging means for imaging an object and a display means for displaying an image obtained by imaging with the imaging means, wherein the display means captures a guide display that assists in framing the imaging object. The guide display in the tooth photographing mode is displayed in accordance with the tooth number designated by the tooth number designation means for designating the tooth number. This indicates the range of the optimum shape or size for accommodating the teeth to be photographed.

A dental imaging device according to a second invention is the dental imaging device according to the first invention, wherein the guide display in the tooth imaging mode is a rectangular, triangular, circular, or elliptical frame line. It is.
A third dental imaging apparatus according to the present invention is directed to the dental imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the photographing mode, further a face shooting mode, and full jaw photography mode, at least one of the Is included.

A dental imaging device according to a fourth invention is the dental imaging device according to the third invention, wherein the guide display in the face photographing mode or the full jaw photographing mode is based on the center of the display screen by the display means. Therefore, it is symmetric with respect to at least one of left and right and up and down.
A dental imaging device according to a fifth invention is the dental imaging device according to the third invention, wherein the guide display in the face photographing mode or the full jaw photographing mode shows at least the center of the display screen by the display means. Is.

A dental imaging device according to a sixth invention is the dental imaging device according to the fifth invention, wherein the guide display in the face photographing mode or the full jaw photographing mode is a horizontal line, a vertical line, or a horizontal line and a vertical line. It is a combination.
  A dental imaging device according to a seventh invention is the dental imaging device according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the guide display that assists in framing the imaging object includes an index indicating the dimension of the imaging object. .

A dental imaging apparatus according to an eighth invention is the dental imaging apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the guide display indicates a standard tooth width specified by a tooth number specified by the tooth number specifying means. It is shown.
A dental imaging device according to a ninth invention is the dental imaging device according to the first invention, wherein the display means is such that the tooth specified by the tooth number designated by the tooth number designation means is an upper tooth. Depending on whether there is a lower tooth or a lower tooth, a guide display having an optimum shape or size is performed.

A dental imaging apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the invention is an imaging mode setting means for setting an imaging mode corresponding to an imaging object, an imaging means for imaging the imaging object, and an image obtained by imaging with the imaging means. A display means for displaying and a tooth number designating means for designating a tooth number, and the display means optimizes guide display for assisting in framing the object to be photographed according to the photographing mode. In this way, the guide is displayed with an optimum shape or size corresponding to the tooth number designated by the tooth number designation means.

A dental imaging device according to an eleventh invention is the dental imaging device according to the tenth invention, wherein the guide display indicates a standard tooth width specified by the tooth number specified by the tooth number specifying means. It is shown.
A dental imaging device according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is the dental imaging device according to the tenth aspect of the invention, wherein the display means is such that the tooth specified by the tooth number designated by the tooth number designation means is an upper tooth. Depending on whether there is a lower tooth or a lower tooth, a guide display having an optimum shape or size is performed.

  According to the dental imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to accurately acquire a tooth shade by performing appropriate framing.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 48 show the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the photographing system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing system includes a camera unit 69, a cradle 72, a personal computer (PC) 68, and a contact cap 260. As a specific application example, in the field of dentistry, this imaging system has an accurate tooth shade in order to ensure the consistency of the shade with other teeth when creating a denture or a crown. It is used to measure.

  The camera unit 69 shoots a subject with ambient light in the camera mode, and in the single-tooth shooting mode (see FIG. 35), the camera unit 69 shoots with illumination light emitted by multi-primary LED illumination. It is an imaging device. Such photographing is performed while observing a later-described LCD monitor 86 (see FIG. 30) provided in the camera unit 69, and the photographed image data is provided in the camera unit 69. It is recorded in the image memory 89 (see FIG. 30). The camera mode is more specifically described in a face photographing mode (see FIG. 33) for photographing the face of the subject and an all jaw photographing mode (see FIG. 34) for photographing the entire jaw of the subject. It is divided into. As will be described later, the camera unit 69 has a built-in lithium ion battery 99 (refer to FIG. 30; abbreviated as “lithium battery 99” in FIG. 30). It can be used alone without connecting a power cable or the like. The camera unit 69 can be used as it is in the camera mode (face shooting mode, full jaw shooting mode), but in the single-tooth shooting mode, it is used with the contact cap 260 attached. Yes.

  The cradle 72 is a table on which the camera unit 69 with the contact cap 260 removed is placed during non-photographing. The cradle 72 is connected to an AC power source via the AC adapter 106. Then, in a state where the camera unit 69 is placed on the cradle 72, charging of the lithium ion battery 99 of the camera unit 69 and transfer of image data stored in the camera unit 69 to the PC 68 are performed. Further, in a state where the camera unit 69 is placed on the cradle 72, information (calibration information) necessary for correcting the measurement value of the single tooth image photographed by the camera unit 69 is acquired. It has become. Specifically, the calibration data is acquired by photographing the reference plate 110 provided in the cradle 72. The reference plate 110 is a plate-like member having a standard spectral reflectance, and can be replaced as necessary.

  The PC 68 is connected to the cradle 72 via, for example, a USB 2.0 cable. Therefore, when the camera unit 69 is placed on the cradle 72, the PC 68 is connected to the camera unit 69 via the cable and the cradle 72. The PC 68 is installed with application software for controlling the camera unit 69 and the cradle 72 and processing image data obtained from the camera unit 69.

  That is, when the application software is being executed and the cradle 72 on which the camera unit 69 is placed is connected by a cable and a necessary operation is performed, the PC 68 receives image data taken from the camera unit 69. Is read out. Further, the PC 68 calculates a chromaticity value (L * a * b *) of an arbitrary area in the image based on the acquired image data at the time of single tooth imaging (data of the captured multiband image). The determination calculation of the corresponding shade guide is performed. Thus, the PC 68 on which the application software is executed has a function of reading image data from the camera unit 69 and a function of processing the read image data.

  Next, the external appearance of the camera unit 69 and the cradle 72 is shown in FIGS. 2 is a front view showing the camera unit, FIG. 3 is a left side view showing the camera unit, FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the camera unit, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the camera unit, and FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing the camera unit. 7 is a rear view showing the camera unit, FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the camera unit from a slightly upper viewpoint, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the camera unit from the upper right viewpoint, and FIG. 10 is a rear right view of the camera unit. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the camera unit from the upper right viewpoint, FIG. 12 is a front view showing the cradle, FIG. 13 is a left side view showing the cradle, and FIG. 14 is a right side view showing the cradle. 15 is a plan view showing the cradle, FIG. 16 is a bottom view showing the cradle, FIG. 17 is a rear view showing the cradle, and FIG. 18 is a rear view showing the cradle from a slightly upper viewpoint, 19 is a perspective view showing the cradle with the cover opened from the upper left viewpoint, FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the cradle with the cover closed from the upper left viewpoint, and FIG. 21 shows the camera unit mounted on the cradle. FIG. 22 is a left side view showing the camera unit attached to the cradle, FIG. 23 is a right side view showing the camera unit attached to the cradle, FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the camera unit attached to the cradle, and FIG. 26 is a bottom view showing the camera unit attached to the cradle, FIG. 26 is a rear view showing the camera unit attached to the cradle, FIG. 27 is a rear view showing the camera unit attached to the cradle from a slightly upper viewpoint, and FIG. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the camera unit mounted on the cradle in a closed state from the upper left point of view, and FIG. 29 shows the cover closed. The camera unit mounted on the status of the cradle and is a perspective view illustrating from the rear upper left perspective.

  The configurations appearing on the external appearance of the camera unit 69 and the cradle 72 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the camera unit and the cradle.

  The camera unit 69 includes an illumination unit 70 and an imaging unit 73 inside.

  Among these, the illumination unit 70 is indicated by a thick line in FIG. 30, and is provided on the front end side of the camera unit 69. The illumination unit 70 includes LED illumination units 70a and 70b, an illumination optical system 74, an LED memory 75, and a temperature sensor 76.

  The LED illumination units 70a and 70b include a plurality of types of LEDs (LED light sources) having different spectral characteristics of emitted light.

  In the present embodiment, the LED illumination units 70a and 70b are configured by a total of 28 LEDs in which four LEDs each having seven types of band characteristics are arranged. Each LED is a light source having a narrow band emission wavelength characteristic having a different center wavelength. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing band characteristics of seven types of LEDs. In FIG. 32, in order from the short wavelength side to the long wavelength side, the band characteristic of the first type LED is λ1, the band characteristic of the second type LED is λ2, and the band type of the third type LED is The characteristic is λ3, the band characteristic of the fourth type LED is λ4, the band characteristic of the fifth type LED is λ5, the band characteristic of the sixth type LED is λ6, and the band characteristic of the seventh type LED is It is shown as λ7. Specifically, the center wavelength of the LED indicated by λ1 is 450 nm, the center wavelength of the LED indicated by λ2 is 465 nm, the center wavelength of the LED indicated by λ3 is 505 nm, the center wavelength of the LED indicated by λ4 is 525 nm, λ5 The center wavelength of the LED indicated by is 575 nm, the center wavelength of the LED indicated by λ6 is 605 nm, and the center wavelength of the LED indicated by λ7 is 630 nm. When these LEDs are roughly divided into RGB regions, λ1 and λ2 LEDs are blue (B), λ3, λ4, and λ5 LEDs are green (G), and λ6 and λ7 LEDs are red (R). Respectively.

  Further, the illumination optical system 74 uses the light emitted from the LED illumination units 70a and 70b on the subject surface (when the calibration information is acquired in the state shown in FIG. The LED light is converted into substantially uniform illumination light and irradiated to the subject.

  The LED memory 75 stores information related to the LED, and stores, for example, light emission spectrum information of LED illumination and information related to aging of the LED.

  The temperature sensor 76 is disposed in the vicinity of the LED, and measures the temperature in the vicinity of the LED.

  Next, the imaging unit 73 includes an imaging lens 16, an RGB color imaging device (in FIG. 30, described as an RGB imaging device for simplicity) 5, a signal processing unit 17, and an A / D. A converter (abbreviated simply as “A / D” in FIG. 30) 18 and a contact for position detection (abbreviated as “position detection” in FIG. 30) 80 are included. It consists of

  The photographing lens 16 is for forming a light beam incident from a subject as an optical image on the RGB color imaging device 5. The photographic lens 16 is manually focused by a focus lever 79 that is exposed at least partially on the outer surface of the camera unit 69. Although manual focus adjustment is performed here, it is of course possible to perform auto focus adjustment.

  The RGB color image pickup device 5 is an image pickup unit configured as a so-called single-plate color image pickup device. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration of the RGB color image pickup device 5 in the camera unit 69. The RGB color image pickup device 5 includes a so-called monochrome image pickup device 5a configured by arranging pixels that convert light into an electric signal in an array, and RGB on the front side of the image pickup device 5a so as to correspond to each pixel. And a color filter array 5b in which color filters are arranged.

  The signal processing unit 17 is for performing analog processing such as gain correction and offset correction on the image signal output from the RGB color imaging device 5.

  The A / D converter 18 is for converting the analog image signal processed by the signal processing unit 17 into digital image data.

  The position detection contact 80 is for detecting the position of the focus lever 79 (or the focal position of the photographing lens 16 adjusted by the focus lever 79).

  In the camera unit 69, in addition to the illumination unit 70 and the imaging unit 73, the focus lever 79, camera control CPU 81, local bus 82, LED driver 83, data I / F 84, and composite output terminal are also provided. 85, a communication I / F controller 97, a communication I / F connection contact (abbreviated as communication I / F contact in FIG. 30) 98, a lithium ion battery 99, a charging contact 100, and an image memory. 89, LCD monitor (abbreviated as LCD in FIG. 30) 86, LCD controller 87, overlay memory 88, operation unit I / F 90, first function button 91, and second function button 92. And a third function button 93, a charging LED 95, and an alarm buzzer 96. That.

  The camera control CPU 81 is a control means for controlling the entire camera unit 69 including the imaging unit 73 and the like, and includes, for example, a CPU. The camera control CPU 81 includes a timer which is a time measuring means for measuring time.

  The local bus 82 is connected to the camera control CPU 81, the image memory 89, the operation unit I / F 90, the LED driver 83, the data I / F 84, and the communication I / F controller 97, and communicates image data and transmits various command signals. It is a communication means shared for communication.

  The composite output terminal 85 is connected to the camera control CPU 81 and is a terminal for outputting a color image signal obtained by imaging by the imaging unit 73 to an external monitor or the like.

  The LED driver 83 is for controlling the light emission of the LED illumination units 70a and 70b.

  The data I / F 84 is an interface for receiving data stored in the LED memory 75 of the lighting unit 70 and information detected by the temperature sensor 76.

  The communication I / F controller 97 is a controller for controlling the communication I / F such as the USB 2 described above.

  The communication I / F connection contact 98 is a contact for communication when communication by the communication I / F controller 97 is performed externally. The communication I / F connection contact 98 is connected to a communication contact on the cradle 72 side.

  The lithium ion battery 99 is a power source for supplying power to the entire camera unit 69 when the camera unit 69 is removed from the cradle 72 for imaging.

  The charging contact 100 is a contact for charging the lithium ion battery 99 and is connected to a contact on the cradle 72 side.

  The image memory 89 is a storage means for temporarily storing image data obtained by photographing with the imaging unit 73. As described above, in this embodiment, since the LED illumination units 70a and 70b are provided with seven types of LEDs having different band characteristics, the image memory 89 has seven types (seven pieces) of spectral images for teeth. And one background image with no LED light emission on the teeth, seven kinds of (7 sheets) spectral images with respect to the reference plate 110 as calibration information, and one background image with no LED light emission on the reference plate 110 In addition, it has a capacity capable of storing at least one RGB color image which is an image in the camera mode.

  The LCD monitor 86 is a display means for displaying an image (moving image, monitor image) being captured by the camera unit 69 in order to perform framing or the like and displaying a captured image. The LCD monitor 86 can also display information stored in an overlay memory 88 to be described below, superimposed on these images. Further, the LCD monitor 86 can also display various information related to the camera unit 69. Thus, the LCD monitor 86 also serves as a notification means for displaying a message to the user.

  The overlay memory 88 is a storage unit that stores an image pattern to be superimposed on an image to be displayed on the LCD monitor 86. Specific examples of the image pattern stored in the overlay memory 88 include various icon data, display character data, and guideline data described later.

  The LCD controller 87 is connected to and controlled by the camera control CPU 81, and is a display control means for controlling the display on the LCD monitor 86. The LCD controller 87 also performs processing for superimposing the image data transmitted from the camera control CPU 81 and the image pattern read from the overlay memory 88.

  The operation unit I / F 90 is an interface for exchanging signals with an operation button disposed on the camera unit 69 and an output unit (not shown) for information transmission.

  The operation buttons to which the operation unit I / F 90 is connected include the first function button 91, the second function button 92, and the third function button 93 as described above. Each of these function buttons 91 to 93 performs different functions as described below according to the operating state of the camera unit 69.

The first function button 91 is, for example,
・ Switch to face and full jaw photography mode ・ Show and hide guide frames for face and full jaw photography ・ Select whether to delete the image immediately after photography ・ Select a tooth number for single tooth photography ( Right cursor)
It has come to fulfill functions such as. Accordingly, the first function button 91 serves as both a photographing mode setting unit and a tooth number designation unit.

The second function button 92 is
・ Face, full jaw, shutter button for single-tooth photography ・ Dental number confirmation button for single-tooth photography ・ Confirming image registration and deletion immediately after photography ・ Calibration start button for reference board photography It has come to fulfill. Accordingly, the second function button 92 can function as a tooth number designation means.

Furthermore, the third function button 93 is
・ Switch to single-tooth imaging mode ・ Toggle guide frame display / non-display for single-tooth imaging ・ Select tooth number for single-tooth imaging (left cursor)
It has come to fulfill functions such as. Therefore, the third function button 93 serves as both a photographing mode setting unit and a tooth number designation unit.

The charging LED 95 functions as an output unit for information transmission, and is a notification means for visually notifying the photographer of the charging state of the lithium ion battery 99 and the like. As will be described later, the charging LED 95 is disposed in the vicinity (for example, lower right) of the LED monitor 86. The lighting state of the charging LED 95 according to the charging state of the lithium ion battery 99 is, for example, as follows.
Lit in green: Battery capacity is sufficient. Lit in yellow: Battery capacity is low (requires charging)
Lit in red: Battery capacity is very low (requires immediate charge)

  The alarm buzzer 96 is an informing means for informing the situation at the time of photographing audibly by sound as necessary. Although not shown, the alarm buzzer 96 is disposed on the back side of the camera unit 69 (on the side of a dentist or the like who uses the camera unit 69), for example. The alarm buzzer 96 is used as an example of a specific usage pattern when the alarm buzzer 96 is pronounced as a warning prompting the user to acquire calibration information.

  Next, the cradle 72 includes a reference plate 110, a micro switch 111, a power switch 102, a power lamp 104, and a power connection connector 105, and is configured as, for example, a table-type device.

  The reference plate 110 is used to acquire calibration information related to the measurement function of the camera unit 69. As described above, the reference plate 110 is configured as a plate-like member having a reference spectral reflectance, and the others. Is replaceable.

  The micro switch 111 is a detecting means for confirming whether or not the camera unit 69 is mounted at a normal position of the cradle 72.

  The power switch 102 is an operating means for turning on / off the power of the cradle 72. By turning on / off the power switch 102 in a state where the camera unit 69 is mounted at a normal position of the cradle 72, The power supply of the camera unit 69 is also turned on / off in conjunction with it.

  The power lamp 104 is turned on / off in conjunction with the on / off of the power switch 102, and is a notification means for notifying the power state.

  The power connection connector 105 is a connector for connecting the AC adapter 106. When the camera unit 69 is mounted in the normal position of the cradle 72, the AC power is supplied from the AC adapter 106, the power switch 102, and the charging contact 100 of the camera unit 69 to the lithium ion battery 99 of the camera unit 69. Charging is performed.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a state of photographing the subject's face in the face photographing mode, FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a state of photographing the entire subject's jaw in the full jaw photographing mode, and FIG. FIG. 38 is a developed view showing an index provided on the focus lever. FIG. 38 is a view showing a state where the subject's teeth are photographed in the single-tooth photographing mode.

  First, the focus lever 79 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The focus lever 79 has, for example, a rotatable disk shape, and is configured such that a part of the peripheral surface is exposed to the outside of the camera unit 69. A knurled 79a is engraved on the peripheral surface so that a user (dentist or the like) can easily rotate the focus lever 79 with a fingertip or the like.

  In addition, indicators 79b, 79c, and 79d for indicating the focus position are provided at predetermined positions on the peripheral surface of the focus lever 79. The index 79b is an index for indicating a focal position in the single-tooth imaging mode, and is configured as a white circle, for example. The index 79c is an index for indicating the focal position in the full jaw photographing mode, and is configured as, for example, a yellow circle. The index 79d is an index for indicating the focal position in the face photographing mode, and is configured as a green circle, for example.

  In addition, here, by changing the color of the mark of the same shape (for example, ◯), each index is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner, but instead of or in addition to this, the shape is made different (for example, It is possible to use a mark whose function is easy to discriminate), or to write a character or the like indicating the focal position. Accordingly, it is possible to cope with a user who is difficult to distinguish colors.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 36, the exterior of the camera unit 69 is provided with an index 79g indicating a position where the indices 79b, 79c, and 79d are to be aligned.

  Further, arrows 79e and 79f are provided near the end of the focusable range on the peripheral surface of the focus lever 79 to indicate that the focus lever 79 should be rotated in the opposite direction to perform focusing. ing. Therefore, in this example, the arrows 79e and 79f are arrows pointing toward the center of the focusable range. However, an arrow pointing to the outside of the focusable range may indicate that the end point has been reached, and not only the arrow but also other shape, pattern, and color indicators may be used.

  Therefore, in the face shooting mode as shown in FIG. 33, the camera unit 69 is set to a camera mode for shooting with ambient light, and the index 79d of the focus lever 79 is set to the exterior index 79g, and the entire face is shot. The face of the subject is photographed by pressing the second function button 92 functioning as a shutter button while confirming with the LCD monitor 86 or an external monitor so as to be within the range.

  Further, in the full jaw photographing mode as shown in FIG. 34, the camera unit 69 is set to a camera mode for photographing with ambient light, and the index 79c of the focus lever 79 is set to the exterior index 79g so that the entire jaw is The entire jaw of the subject is photographed by pressing the second function button 92 functioning as a shutter button while confirming with the LCD monitor 86 or an external monitor so as to enter the photographing range.

  Furthermore, in the single-tooth imaging mode as shown in FIG. 35, the camera unit 69 is set to a single-tooth imaging mode in which imaging is performed with illumination light from the illumination unit 70, and the index 79b of the focus lever 79 is set to the exterior index 79g. When the second function button 92 functioning as a shutter button is pressed while confirming with the LCD monitor 86 or an external monitor that the teeth to be photographed are within the photographing range, the teeth of the subject are photographed. It is supposed to be.

  FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a configuration mainly on the back side of the camera unit.

  The camera unit 69 has a main body part for displaying an image and gripped by the user, and a contact side part which is a side to be applied to the mouth side of the subject, for example, in a substantially L shape. It has a configuration that forms an integrated shape.

  The above-described LCD monitor 86 is provided on the upper rear surface of the main body portion of the camera unit 69, and a charging LED 95 is provided on the lower right side of the LCD monitor 86. Further, on the lower side of the LCD monitor 86, a first function button 91, a second function button 92, and a third function are sequentially arranged from the left to the right along the lower side of the rectangular LCD monitor 86. Function buttons 93 are provided. The functions performed by the function buttons 91, 92, and 93 are displayed at positions corresponding to the function buttons 91, 92, and 93 on the lower side in the LCD monitor 86, as will be described later. Therefore, even if the function of each function button 91, 92, 93 changes according to the operating state, it is possible to easily understand what function the button is used for.

  Further, a focus lever 79 as shown in FIG. 38 is disposed on the upper surface side of the contact side portion of the camera unit 69 so as to be partially operable. Further, on both side surfaces of the contact side portion of the camera unit 69, there are provided hook portions 260a for attaching a contact cap 260 having elasticity formed of styrene elastomer or the like.

  FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cradle with the cover closed.

  As described above, the cradle 72 is for mounting the camera unit 69 when not in use, charging the camera unit 69, and acquiring calibration information by the camera unit 69. .

  The cradle 72 has an L-shape in which a recess 72a for mounting the lower end side of the camera unit 69 and a recess 72b for mounting the distal end side of the camera unit 69 facing the subject are opened obliquely. Are connected by a bridge portion 72c. The bridge portion 72c has a shape in which a space is formed between the camera unit 69 and the camera unit 69 when the camera unit 69 is placed at a predetermined position of the cradle 72. 69 can be easily gripped.

  A battery charging / USB terminal 72d is provided in the recess 72a so that the communication I / F connection contact 98 and the charging contact 100 of the camera unit 69 are connected.

  In addition, a power lamp 104 is disposed in the vicinity of the recess 72a, and a power switch 102 is disposed, for example, on the side of the right hand side of the recess 72a.

  Next, a reference plate 110 is disposed in the recess 72b. The reference plate 110 is disposed at a position where an image can be taken as it is when the camera unit 69 is placed at a predetermined position on the cradle 72. Further, the recess 72b (when the camera unit 69 is placed at a predetermined position of the cradle 72), the recess 72b and the front end side of the camera unit 69 are protected by a cover 72e so as to be opened and closed. The cover 72e protects the front end side of the camera unit 69 (that is, the front end side on which the illumination unit 70 and the imaging unit 73 are disposed) when not in use, and provides environmental light when the reference plate 110 is imaged. It is intended not to be affected by The state in which the cover 72e is opened is as shown in FIG.

  Next, FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing processing when imaging is performed by the camera unit.

  This process is started by turning on the power switch 102 of the cradle 72 while the camera unit 69 is placed at a predetermined position of the cradle 72.

  First, the camera unit 69 is warmed up (step S1). This warm-up is performed as a process of initializing each circuit in the camera unit 69 and supplying power, and in particular, stabilizing the operation of the RGB color imaging device 5 and the LCD illumination units 70a and 70b. Since the camera unit 69 is used for accurate measurement, the camera unit 69 stabilizes the light emission state by the LED illuminators 70a and 70b, which are light sources, and photographs the illuminated teeth and the reference plate 110. It is important to stabilize the RGB color image sensor 5. During the warm-up, a warm-up icon 129 as shown in FIG. 42 is displayed on the LCD monitor 86 of the camera unit 69 to display that effect.

  Next, after the camera unit 69 is activated, it is determined whether or not the calibration information has been acquired yet (step S2).

  Here, when the acquisition of the calibration information has been performed at least once after the camera unit 69 is activated, it is determined whether or not the second function button 92 functioning as a calibration start button has been pressed (step S3). ).

  If it is determined that the button has been pressed, or if it is determined in step S2 that the calibration information has not been acquired, calibration information acquisition processing is performed (step S4).

  When the calibration information is acquired, photographing by the camera unit 69 is permitted (step S5).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the timer started in step S4 is within a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) (step S6). If it is within the predetermined time, a mode selection for selecting a shooting mode is performed. Is performed (step S7).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the second function button 92 functioning as a shutter button has been pressed (step S8). If not, the process returns to step S6 to repeat the above-described processing.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the shutter button has been pressed, it is determined whether or not the imaging mode selected in step S7 is a single-tooth imaging mode (step S9).

  Here, when it is determined that the single-tooth imaging mode is selected, the imaging process is performed using the single-tooth imaging mode (step S10). On the other hand, when it is determined that the mode is not the single-tooth imaging mode, the imaging process is performed using the camera mode. It performs (step S11). When step S10 or step S11 ends, the process returns to step S6 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the timer has reached the predetermined time, a warning display (notification display) for prompting calibration is performed on the LCD monitor 86 (step S12). FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning display that prompts the user to perform calibration. In the example shown in the figure, the warning display is performed by displaying, for example, red “Calibration!” Characters 134 on the display screen of the LCD monitor 86. In addition, a battery remaining amount icon 120 is displayed on the upper right of the LCD monitor 86, for example. FIG. 42 shows an example of a display prompting the user to perform calibration when the camera unit 69 is turned on and warming up. Therefore, a warm-up icon 129 is displayed on the screen. Although displayed, this warm-up icon 129 is not displayed when the camera unit 69 is urged to reach the predetermined time and perform calibration.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the camera unit 69 is placed at a predetermined position of the cradle 72 (step S13), and the process returns to step S12 to issue a warning until it is placed.

  Thus, when it is determined that the camera unit 69 is placed at a predetermined position of the cradle 72, the process returns to step S3 to determine whether or not the calibration start button has been pressed.

  Here, until the calibration start button is pressed, it is monitored whether or not the power switch 102 is turned off (step S14), and while the power switch 102 is on, the process returns to step S3 to perform calibration. Wait for the start button to be pressed.

  On the other hand, if the power switch 102 is turned off in step S14, this process is terminated.

  Although not specifically shown, when an operation on the camera unit 69 is not performed for a predetermined time or longer, a beep sound is generated as a warning sound (notification sound) by the alarm buzzer 96, and then the camera unit 69 is set in the sleep mode. It is supposed to move to. As is widely known in battery-powered devices, the sleep mode leaves the minimum functions necessary to return to the normal state later and stops supplying power to the other components. Mode.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing details of the calibration information acquisition process in step S4 of FIG.

  As described above, this processing is performed in a state where the camera unit 69 is placed at a predetermined position of the cradle 72 and the cover 72e is closed.

  When the processing is started, one primary color LED is first caused to emit light among a plurality of (seven in the above example) band characteristic (referred to as “primary colors”) LEDs (step S21).

  Then, the reference plate 110 is imaged under illumination with one emitted primary color (step S22).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the LEDs of all the primary colors (seven primary colors in the above-described example) are caused to emit light (step S23). Select (step S24). Note that the selection of primary colors at this time is set in advance so as to be performed in a predetermined order.

  Then, it returns to said step S21, LED of the newly selected primary color is light-emitted, and a reference board is imaged in step S22.

  In this way, if it is determined in step S23 that all the primary color LEDs are caused to emit light, then the reference plate 110 is imaged without emitting the LEDs (background imaging of the reference plate) (step S25). .

  Then, the timer is reset and time counting is started (step S26). This timer is a timer used for the determination in step S6 of FIG.

  Then, each image for calibration (calibration information) is stored in the image memory 89 (step S27), and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing details of the mode selection process in step S7 of FIG.

  When this process is started, first, a predetermined initial mode is set (step S31). As an example, an initial mode that is set first after the camera unit 69 is in a photographing permission state is set to the camera mode. Of course, the initial mode may be set to the single-tooth imaging mode, and further, the user may be able to set the initial mode as desired.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the set mode is a single-tooth imaging mode (step S32).

  Here, when it is determined that the mode is not the single-tooth imaging mode, the first guideline and the camera mode icon are displayed in order to enter the camera mode (step S33).

  FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a display example of the LCD monitor in the camera mode.

  On the screen of the LCD monitor 86, the above-mentioned battery remaining amount icon 120 is displayed on the upper right, and the camera mode icon 121 is displayed on the upper left. A single-tooth imaging mode icon 122 is displayed at a position corresponding to the first function button 91 on the lower side of the screen of the LCD monitor 86. This indicates that when the first function button 91 is pressed, the camera mode can be changed to the single-tooth imaging mode. Further, a shutter / confirmation icon 123 is displayed at a position corresponding to the second function button 92 on the lower side of the screen of the LCD monitor 86. Thus, it can be understood that when the second function button 92 is pressed, imaging (in this case, RGB imaging using ambient light because of the camera mode) can be performed. A guideline non-display icon 124 is displayed at a position corresponding to the third function button 93 on the lower side of the screen of the LCD monitor 86. Accordingly, it can be seen that, when the third function button 93 is pressed, a guideline 131 described later can be hidden.

Further, for example, a cross-shaped guideline 131 is displayed in an area where an image of a subject on the screen of the LCD monitor 86 is displayed. The guideline 131 is a guide display that assists in framing the object to be imaged. More specifically, the cross-shaped guideline 131 shown in this example includes a horizontal center line, two vertical lines indicating both ends thereof, a vertical center line, and two horizontal lines indicating both ends thereof, It is symmetrical and vertically symmetrical with By using such a guideline 131, for example,
(1) The intersection of the center lines indicates the center position of the display screen. (2) The horizontal center line divided by the intersections and the two vertical lines are assistance when viewing the left-right symmetry of the subject. (3) The two horizontal lines serve to assist in showing the range that should be stored in the vertical direction when photographing all jaws.

  Such a guideline 131 is not limited to a cross shape as shown in FIG. 39, but has various shapes such as a diagonal cross shape, a mesh shape, a face contour shape, a jaw contour shape, and the like. Can be widely adopted. Further, the guide display may include an index indicating the dimension of the photographing target.

  Subsequently, if it is determined in step S32 that the single-tooth imaging mode is selected, a dental table and a cursor icon are displayed (step S34).

  FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a display example of the tooth table and cursor icons of the LCD monitor in the single-tooth imaging mode.

  On the screen of the LCD monitor 86, a tooth table 133 for designating tooth numbers is displayed, and any of the tooth numbers arranged in the tooth table 133 is noted. The cursor icon 133a shown is displayed by, for example, highlight display, reverse display, or a color change display.

  Further, on the screen of the LCD monitor 86, a remaining battery level icon 120 is displayed on the upper right, and a single-tooth imaging mode icon 121 'is displayed on the upper left. A left movement button icon 125 is displayed at a position corresponding to the first function button 91 on the lower side of the screen of the LCD monitor 86. As a result, when the first function button 91 is pressed, it can be seen that the cursor icon 133a can be moved to the left while changing up and down in order. Further, a shutter / confirmation icon 123 is displayed at a position corresponding to the second function button 92 on the lower side of the screen of the LCD monitor 86. As a result, when the second function button 92 is pressed, the tooth number at the position of the cursor icon 133a is confirmed. A right movement icon 126 is displayed at a position corresponding to the third function button 93 on the lower side of the screen of the LCD monitor 86. Thus, it can be seen that when the third function button 93 is pressed, the cursor icon 133a can be moved in the right direction while changing the order up and down.

  In this way, the tooth number is designated by the operation of the function buttons 91 to 93 in the state where the tooth table and the cursor icon are displayed (step S35).

  Then, a 2nd guideline and a single tooth imaging | photography icon are displayed (step S36).

  FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a display example of guidelines for the LCD monitor in the single-tooth imaging mode.

  On the screen of the LCD monitor 86, a battery remaining amount icon 120 is displayed on the upper right, and a single tooth photographing mode icon 121 'is displayed on the upper left. Further, the tooth number designated in step S36 is displayed as a tooth number icon 127, for example, on the right side of the single-tooth imaging mode icon 121 '.

  The shutter / confirmation icon 123 is displayed at a position corresponding to the second function button 92 on the lower side of the screen of the LCD monitor 86.

  Since FIG. 40 shows a display example of the LCD monitor 86 immediately after imaging in the single-tooth imaging mode, the trash can icon 128 described later with reference to FIG. Since it is displayed at a position corresponding to the three function button 93 and the mode cannot be changed until an operation for confirming the image or an operation for discarding the image is performed, it corresponds to the first function button 91. The position icon is hidden.

The second guideline 132 is displayed as a rectangular (or square) frame line, for example, at the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 86. By using such guidelines 132,
(1) An outline of a range in which an object to be imaged (tooth) is placed at the time of imaging is shown. (2) It is possible to perform functions such as an imaging range in which measurement can be optimally performed.

Further, the guideline 132 may allow the user to change the size and display position in the screen as desired. In this case, the guideline 132 further
(3) It is also possible to fulfill the function of indicating the target area. Here, the region of interest is, for example, a region where it is desired to remove regular reflection, and the state of regular reflection can be changed by changing the angle adjustment of the camera. Therefore, it can be used as a guideline for determining an angle at which regular reflection does not occur in the region of interest.

  Such a guideline 132 is not limited to a rectangular (square) shape as shown in FIG. 40, and for example, various shapes such as a triangle, a circle, an ellipse, and a mesh can be widely adopted. Is possible. Further, the guide display may include an index indicating the dimension of the photographing target.

  Then, as the guideline 132, when setting the shape and size, an optimum one may be automatically set according to the designated tooth number. Since the sizes of the teeth differ depending on which number of teeth, an example in which the standard width of the tooth specified by the tooth number is displayed as the guideline 132 can be considered. Or it is possible to perform an optimal guide display according to whether the tooth specified by the tooth number is an upper tooth or a lower tooth.

  Note that the data of these guidelines 131 and 132 are stored in advance in the overlay memory 88 as described above.

  Thereafter, when the process of step S33 or step S36 is completed, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode selection button has been pressed (step S37). If the button has been pressed, the process returns to step S32 to newly select the shooting mode. The processing according to is performed as described above.

  Next, FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing details of the single-tooth image photographing process in step S10 of FIG.

  In this single-tooth image capturing process, a contact cap 260 is attached to the camera unit 69, the tip of the contact cap 260 is brought into contact with the periphery of the tooth of interest of the subject, and framing is performed on the image on the LCD monitor 86. This is done after determining the imaging range.

  When this processing is started, one primary color LED is first caused to emit light among a plurality of (seven in the above example) band characteristic (referred to as “primary colors” as described above) LEDs (step S41).

  Then, the teeth are imaged under illumination with the emitted primary color (step S42).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the LEDs of all primary colors (seven primary colors in the above-described example) are caused to emit light (step S43). Select (step S44). Note that the selection of the primary color at this time is set to be the same as the selection of the light emission order in the calibration information acquisition process shown in FIG. 44, for example.

  Then, it returns to said step S41, LED of the newly selected primary color is light-emitted, and a tooth | gear is imaged in step S42.

  Thus, if it is determined in step S43 that all primary color LEDs have emitted light, then the teeth are imaged without emitting the LEDs (single-tooth background imaging) (step S45).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 40, the shooting mode icon is deleted (step S46), and the trash can icon 128 is displayed (step S47).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the third function button 93 corresponding to the trash can icon 128 has been pressed (step S48). It is determined whether or not (step S49).

  If the second function button 92 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S48 to wait for an image erasing or image finalizing operation as described above.

  If it is determined in step S49 that the second function button 92 has been pressed, the tooth number designated in step S35 shown in FIG. 45 is used as the tooth image of each of the seven primary colors and one tooth. Are associated with the background image (step S50).

  Then, the seven tooth images of each primary color, the background image of one tooth, and the tooth number are stored in the image memory 89 (step S51), and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S48 that the third function button 93 has been pressed, confirmation is performed again (step S52). If the reconfirmation is canceled here, the process returns to step S48 to perform the above-described processing.

  On the other hand, if reconfirmed in step S52, the processing returns to the processing shown in FIG. 43 without performing the processing in step S50 or step S51, that is, without saving each image or tooth number.

  Note that the camera mode shooting process in step S11 in FIG. 43 is substantially similar to the shooting process in a normal digital camera or the like, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the calibration process.

  This calibration process is a process for actually correcting the single-tooth image, which is the measurement information acquired by the process shown in FIG. 46, using the calibration information acquired by the process shown in FIG. It has become.

  When this process is started, a single-tooth background image is subtracted from the single-tooth image of each primary color (seven primary colors in the above example) (step S61). Since the background image includes the influence of ambient light that is difficult to completely block out, the influence of the dark current of the RGB color image pickup device 5 and the like, the subtraction substantially eliminates these influences. be able to.

  Similarly, the background image of the reference plate is subtracted from the reference plate image of each primary color (step S62).

  Then, the single-tooth image that has been background-corrected by the process of step S61 is corrected for each corresponding primary color based on the reference plate image that has been background-corrected by the process of step S62 (step S63).

  In this way, when all the primary color single-tooth images have been corrected, this processing is terminated.

  47, for example, a single-tooth image and calibration information are externally transmitted via a communication I / F controller 97 and a communication I / F connection contact 98 as communication means. This is performed by transferring the data to the PC 68, which is a processing apparatus, and executing measurement application software on the PC 68. If the communication means transmits the single-tooth image and the calibration information, and further transmits the information of the time interval between the time when the single-tooth image is acquired and the time when the calibration information is acquired, It becomes possible to perform more precise calibration in the PC 68 using the time interval information. In this way, the calibration processing is performed by an external processing device, thereby reducing the processing load on the camera unit 69, reducing the size and weight, and extending the battery operating time. It becomes. Further, by using an external processing device, it is possible to perform complicated processing requiring a long calculation time.

  Further, the calibration process is not limited to being performed by the PC 68, and a correction unit (for example, the camera CPU 81 may also serve as) is provided in the camera unit 69, and may be performed by this correction unit. I do not care. In this case, the amount of data transferred from the camera unit 69 to the PC 68 can be reduced.

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing processing for transferring an image from the camera unit to the PC.

  This process is a process of executing measurement application software on the PC 68 and acquiring information from the camera unit 69.

  When this process is started, it is determined whether or not the camera unit 69 is connected via the above-described USB2 cable, cradle 72, or the like (step S71).

  Here, until the camera unit 69 is connected, for example, a display for prompting the camera unit 69 to be connected is displayed on a monitor screen attached to the PC 68, and the camera unit 69 is waited for to be connected.

  Thus, if it is determined in step S71 that the camera unit 69 is connected, the PC 68 transmits an image transfer request to the camera unit 69 (step S72), and an image transmitted in response to the image transfer request. Data is received (step S73).

  After that, it is determined whether all the images stored in the image memory 89 of the camera unit 69 and the data related to the images have been received (step S74), and the process of step S73 is performed until the reception is completed. Do.

  Thus, when the reception is completed, the image transfer process is terminated.

  In the above description, the guideline is changed depending on whether the photographing mode is the single-tooth photographing mode or the camera mode, but the camera mode is the face photographing mode or the full jaw photographing mode. You may make it change a guideline according to it. At this time, it is possible to determine whether the photographing mode is the face photographing mode or the full jaw photographing mode according to the detection result by the position detecting contact 80. At this time, the focus lever 79 functions as a photographing mode setting unit.

  In the above description, an example of the single-tooth imaging mode in which one tooth (single tooth) is an imaging target has been described as the tooth imaging mode. At the same time, it can also be used as a target for measurement photography. In this case, since it is no longer “single tooth”, for example, it is desirable that the name of the tooth imaging mode is “target tooth imaging mode” or the like. At this time, as a matter of course, the configuration is such that the tooth numbers can be designated for all the target teeth in the image.

  As described above, since the camera unit 69 is for performing accurate measurement, the light emission state by the LED illumination units 70a and 70b, which are light sources, is stabilized, and the illuminated teeth and the reference plate 110 are displayed. It is important to stabilize the RGB color imaging device 5 for photographing. For this reason, warm-up is performed at the time of start-up, but nevertheless, when the camera unit is used alone, for example, light is emitted from the LED illumination units 70a and 70b due to heat generation from the RGB color imaging device 5 and other circuits. There is a possibility that the intensity of light changes or the dark current or the like of the RGB color image sensor 5 changes. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the intensity of light emitted from the LED illumination units 70a and 70b also changes as the voltage of the lithium ion battery 99 decreases.

  Therefore, the camera unit 69 limits the time for continuous use, and prompts the user to perform calibration again after a predetermined time.

  The method at this time is not limited to the example described above, and various methods can be considered.

  First, in the example described above (referred to as the first example), calibration is first performed after startup, and when the subsequent elapsed time reaches a predetermined time (first predetermined time), the calibration is performed again. This is a case where a warning display or the like for prompting is performed. The first predetermined time is shorter than a predetermined time (second predetermined time) at which the reliability of the single-tooth image can be ensured. It is conceivable that the warning display is continuously performed until the second predetermined time is reached. Alternatively, when a predetermined time shorter than the second predetermined time (referred to as a third predetermined time) is reached, a display that prompts the user to acquire a single-tooth image is performed, and this display is displayed on the second predetermined time. It may be performed until time is reached.

  The next conceivable example (second example) does not necessarily need to be calibrated after startup. When imaging is first performed in the single-tooth imaging mode, the timer is then started and the elapsed time Is measured and the calibration is urged to be performed within a predetermined time (which is different from the first predetermined time, but the first predetermined time in this example) that can ensure the reliability of the single-tooth image. It is. At this time, since imaging in the single-tooth imaging mode may be performed a plurality of times, warning display for prompting calibration immediately after imaging is not performed, but a predetermined second less than the first predetermined time is not performed. It is conceivable that the warning display is performed from when the predetermined time has elapsed until the first predetermined time is reached.

  As described above, the predetermined time during which the reliability of the single-tooth image can be ensured is the case where the measurement start time is the time when the calibration information is acquired (first example) and the time when the single-tooth image itself is acquired And a case (second example) in which the measurement start time is considered.

  Furthermore, when there is no calibration information acquired within a predetermined time (regardless of before and after the time) that can ensure the reliability of the single-tooth image, that is, in the first example, the second predetermined time has elapsed. However, if the calibration information is not acquired, or in the second example, if the calibration information is not acquired even after the first predetermined time has elapsed, the single-tooth image ( It is conceivable to attach a mark (invalid mark) or the like indicating that the reliability cannot be reduced and an accurate measurement image cannot be obtained.

Then, when the calibration information is not acquired even after a predetermined time that can ensure the reliability of the single-tooth image, the camera control CPU 81 as the control means performs the subsequent single-tooth imaging mode (or single-tooth image). It is also conceivable to prohibit imaging in the shooting mode and camera mode).

  In the above description, the time is measured by the timer. However, the time stamp given when the acquired measurement information (single-tooth image) is stored in the image memory 89 as a file and the acquired calibration information (see A time interval or the like may be determined using a time stamp attached when the image is stored in the image memory 89 as a file.

  Further, if the time interval between the acquisition time point of the single tooth image and the acquisition time point of the calibration information as described above is associated with the single tooth image and stored in, for example, the header of the single tooth image, the calibration information is later included in the calibration information. Based on this, it is possible to perform more precise correction when correcting a single-tooth image.

  Then, since the calibration information may be acquired before and after the acquisition point of the single tooth image, the calibration of the single tooth image is performed using the calibration information closest in time at that time. And good. At this time, if the time intervals are equal, it may be possible to use previous calibration information in terms of time. This is because it can be considered that the voltage of the lithium ion battery 99 is higher at the previous time point, that is, the reliability of the acquired calibration information is higher.

  Alternatively, using calibration information acquired at a time point before the time point when a single tooth image is acquired, and calibration information acquired at a time point after the time point when the single tooth image is acquired It is even better if the calibration information at the time when the single-tooth image is acquired is estimated and the calibration is performed based on the estimated calibration information.

Specifically, the time interval between the acquisition time of the single tooth image and the previous acquisition time of calibration information (A) is T1, and the calibration information (B is the time of acquisition of the single tooth image and the subsequent time). ) Is the time interval from the acquisition time point T2, and the calibration information (X) at the acquisition time point of the single-tooth image is represented by the following formula:
X = A * {T2 / (T1 + T2)} + B * {T1 / (T1 + T2)}
It can be estimated by Such weighting has an advantage that it is possible to obtain estimated calibration information with relatively high reliability while being easy to calculate. Here, weighting is performed in inverse proportion to the time interval, but weighting may be performed by a more complicated function using the time interval as a variable. In addition, for the reasons described above, a larger weight may be applied to the calibration information acquired at the previous time point.

  Note that the calibration information is not limited to using two, and a single-tooth image is acquired using three or more calibration information including calibration information whose acquisition points are closest in time. The calibration information at the time point may be estimated.

  Furthermore, it is not limited to using two pieces of calibration information that sandwich a single-tooth image in time, but a plurality of pieces of calibration information acquired at a previous time in time, or acquired at a later time in time. You may make it estimate the calibration information in the time of a single-tooth image being acquired using several calibration information.

  Further, as described above, the light emission luminance of the LEDs provided in the LED illumination units 70a and 70b may change depending on the voltage of the lithium ion battery 99, and consequently, the balance of the light emission luminance of each LED changes. Therefore, there is a possibility that accurate measurement cannot be performed. Therefore, the voltage of the lithium ion battery 99 may be monitored by the camera control CPU 81 that also serves as a voltage detection unit, and a display that prompts acquisition of calibration information in response to a voltage drop may be performed by the LCD monitor 86.

  Specifically, the voltage of the lithium ion battery 99 monitored by the camera control CPU 81 is determined when the camera unit 69 starts operating with the lithium ion battery 99 as a power source and when the calibration information is acquired last time. It is conceivable to perform a notification that prompts the user to acquire calibration information when the voltage at the later time decreases by a predetermined value or more.

  Alternatively, when the voltage of the lithium ion battery 99 monitored by the camera control CPU 81 is lowered by a predetermined value or more from the voltage at the time of the last acquisition of the single-tooth image, a notification is made to prompt the user to acquire calibration information. You may do it.

  According to the first embodiment, the guide display that assists the framing of the shooting target is displayed so as to be optimized according to the shooting mode, so that the shooting range can be determined easily and accurately. Can be done.

  Furthermore, by changing the guide display according to the tooth number, framing during measurement imaging can be performed more accurately. For example, by making the guide display indicate the standard width of the tooth specified by the tooth number, positioning in the left-right direction according to the tooth width can be accurately performed. Alternatively, by changing the guide display according to whether the tooth specified by the tooth number is an upper tooth or a lower tooth, more accurate framing according to the upper tooth or the lower tooth is possible.

  And when a guide display shows the center position of a display screen, the center position of imaging | photography object can be adjusted easily. Also, by using a guide display that is symmetrical to the left and right and up and down, it is possible to inspect the left and right balance of the object to be photographed or to confirm the photographing range in the up and down direction. Then, by including an index indicating the dimension of the shooting target in the guide display, it is possible to measure the shooting target.

  Furthermore, since notification is made to prompt the user to acquire calibration information within a limit time that can maintain the reliability of the single-tooth image that is measurement information, the user needs to acquire calibration information. You can recognize that there is. In this way, it is possible to ensure the reliability of the measurement information by acquiring the calibration information within a predetermined time.

  In addition, if the elapsed time from the time when the calibration information is acquired exceeds the limit time that can maintain the reliability of the measurement information, the acquisition of the measurement information is prohibited, so that the information whose reliability has been impaired The useless acquisition is eliminated, and the storage capacity of the image memory 89 can be used effectively.

  The calibration information can be easily acquired by a simple operation of imaging the reference plate. Moreover, since the reference plate is disposed at a position where the imaging unit 73 can be photographed as it is when the camera unit 69 is placed at a predetermined position on the cradle 72, the operation is easier and the cradle 72 side It is possible to acquire calibration information with high reliability using the supplied power.

  Furthermore, accurate calibration is possible by using the calibration information that is closest in time from the time when the single-tooth image as measurement information is acquired. At this time, if there are multiple pieces of calibration information that are closest in time, using the previous calibration information in time makes the calibration information more reliable under a more stable battery power supply. It becomes. In addition, the calibration information at the time when the single-tooth image is acquired is estimated using a plurality of pieces of calibration information that are close in time, and optimal calibration is possible by using the estimated calibration information. .

  If the calibration information does not exist within the time interval that can maintain the reliability of the measurement information before and after the acquisition of the single-tooth image as the measurement information, the measurement information is invalidated. As a result, the information whose reliability is impaired is not inadvertently used.

  In addition, since the calibration information is acquired in consideration of the voltage drop of the battery, more accurate calibration processing of the measurement information can be performed.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the Example mentioned above, Of course, a various deformation | transformation and application are possible within the range which does not deviate from the main point of invention.

[Appendix]
According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(Appendix A1)
A dental imaging device that can be used to image teeth,
Shooting mode setting means for setting a shooting mode according to the shooting target;
An imaging means for imaging an imaging target;
Display means for displaying an image obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
Comprising
The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays a guide display that assists in framing the object to be imaged so as to be optimized according to the imaging mode.

(Appendix A2)
The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix A1, wherein the imaging mode includes at least one of a face imaging mode, a full jaw imaging mode, and a tooth imaging mode.

(Appendix A3)
A tooth number designating means for designating the tooth number;
The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix A1, wherein the display means performs optimal guide display according to the tooth number designated by the tooth number designation means.

(Appendix A4)
The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix A3, wherein the guide display indicates a standard tooth width specified by the tooth number specified by the tooth number specifying means.

(Appendix A5)
The display means performs optimal guide display depending on whether the tooth specified by the tooth number specified by the tooth number specifying means is an upper tooth or a lower tooth. The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix A3.

(Appendix A6)
The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix A1, wherein the guide display indicates at least the center of the display screen by the display means.

(Appendix A7)
The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix A1, wherein the guide display is symmetrical to at least one of left and right and top and bottom with respect to a center of a display screen by the display means.

(Appendix A8)
The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix A1, wherein the guide display includes an index indicating a dimension of an imaging target.

(Appendix B1)
Measurement information about teeth is acquired by imaging the teeth, and further, calibration information necessary for ensuring the reliability of the measurement information can be acquired by imaging. Imaged means,
Time measuring means for measuring time to measure the time interval between the acquisition time of the measurement information and the acquisition time of the calibration information;
Informing means for informing information relating to the time being measured by the time measuring means,
A dental imaging apparatus comprising:

(Appendix B2)
The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix B1, wherein the time measuring unit measures an elapsed time from the acquisition time of the measurement information.

(Appendix B3)
The notification means performs notification for prompting to acquire the calibration information when the elapsed time from the measurement information acquisition time point, which is timed by the time measurement means, is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time. The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B2, wherein

(Appendix B4)
The informing means measures the calibration information when the elapsed time measured from the time of obtaining the measurement information is equal to or longer than a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time. The dental imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note B3, which performs notification that prompts the user to acquire the information.

(Appendix B5)
The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B2, wherein the time measuring means measures an elapsed time from the acquisition time of the calibration information.

(Appendix B6)
The notification means performs notification for prompting to acquire the measurement information when the elapsed time from the acquisition point of the calibration information, which is timed by the time measurement means, is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time. The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B5, wherein

(Appendix B7)
The informing means counts the measurement information when the elapsed time from the acquisition point of the calibration information, which is timed by the time measuring means, is equal to or shorter than a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix B6, which performs notification for prompting acquisition.

(Appendix B8)
The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix B7, further comprising control means for prohibiting acquisition of the measurement information when the elapsed time is longer than the second predetermined time.

(Appendix B9)
The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B1, further comprising control means for prohibiting acquisition of measurement information until the calibration information is acquired.

(Appendix B10)
The dental unit according to any one of appendix B1 to appendix B9, wherein the imaging unit acquires the calibration information by imaging a reference plate having a standard spectral reflectance. Imaging device.

(Appendix B11)
The battery further includes a power source,
The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix B10, wherein the reference plate is disposed in a cradle for supplying power to the battery of the dental imaging apparatus.

(Appendix B12)
The dental imaging device is configured to receive power supply when placed in a predetermined position of the cradle,
The reference plate according to Appendix B11, wherein the reference plate is disposed at a position where the imaging device can image when the dental imaging device is placed at a predetermined position of the cradle. Dental imaging device.

(Appendix B13)
The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B1, wherein the time interval information is stored in association with the measurement information.

(Appendix B14)
The time measuring means includes a first time interval from the acquisition time of the measurement information to the acquisition time of the calibration information, and a second time interval from the acquisition time of the calibration information to the acquisition time of the measurement information. , And
When the first time interval and the second time interval are long or short, the shorter time interval and the calibration information corresponding to the shorter time interval correspond to these. The time interval and the calibration information acquired before the measurement information are held in association with the measurement information when the measurement information is held in association with the measurement information and there are no lengths. The dental imaging device according to Appendix B1.

(Appendix B15)
When the first time interval and the second time interval are long or short, the longer time interval and the calibration information corresponding to the longer time interval correspond to these. The time interval and the calibration information acquired after the measurement information are further retained in association with the measurement information when the measurement information is further retained in association with the measurement information and there is no length. The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B14.

(Appendix B16)
The measurement information is invalid measurement information when the time interval between the acquisition time and the calibration information closest to each other in time is a predetermined time or more. Imaging device.

(Appendix B17)
From the additional note B1, wherein the measurement information is corrected using a plurality of calibration information whose acquisition time points are closest in time, including calibration information whose acquisition time points are closest in time The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B16.

(Appendix B18)
The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B17, wherein the measurement information is corrected using calibration information estimated from the plurality of calibration information at the time of acquisition of the measurement information. .

(Appendix B19)
The calibration information at the time of acquisition of the measurement information is estimated by weighting the plurality of calibration information according to a time interval with the measurement information, according to appendix B18, Dental imaging device.

(Appendix B20)
The calibration information at the time of acquisition of the measurement information is estimated by adding the plurality of calibration information with weighting inversely proportional to the time interval with the measurement information. The dental imaging apparatus according to B19.

(Appendix B21)
The dental imaging apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Note B17 to Supplementary Note B20, further comprising correction means for performing the correction.

(Appendix B22)
A communication unit capable of transmitting the measurement information, the calibration information, and the time interval information;
Any one of appendix B17 to appendix B20, wherein the measurement information, the calibration information, and the time interval information are transmitted to perform the correction externally. The dental imaging apparatus as described.

(Appendix B23)
A plurality of LED light sources having different band characteristics;
The measurement information is tooth image information obtained by causing the plurality of LED light sources to emit light for each band characteristic to illuminate the teeth and imaging each of the teeth illuminated for each band characteristic by the imaging unit. ,
The calibration information is obtained by causing the plurality of LED light sources to emit light for each band characteristic to illuminate the reference plate, and imaging the reference plate illuminated for each band characteristic by the imaging unit. The dental imaging apparatus according to Appendix B10, which is plate image information.

(Appendix B24)
The measurement information further includes tooth image information obtained by imaging a tooth by the imaging means without causing any of the plurality of LED light sources to emit light,
The calibration information further includes reference plate image information obtained by imaging the reference plate by the imaging unit without causing any of the plurality of LED light sources to emit light. Dental imaging device.

(Appendix B25)
A battery as a power source;
Voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the battery;
Further comprising
The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix B1, wherein the notification unit further performs notification regarding the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit.

(Appendix B26)
The notifying means detects the voltage detected by the voltage detecting means at a later time between the time when the dental imaging apparatus starts operation with the battery as a power source and the time when the calibration information is acquired last time. The dental imaging apparatus according to appendix B25, wherein a notification is made to prompt the user to acquire the calibration information when the voltage drops by a predetermined value or more.

(Appendix B27)
The notification means performs notification for urging to acquire the calibration information when the voltage detected by the voltage detection means has decreased by a predetermined value or more from the voltage at the time when the measurement information was last acquired. The dental imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note B25, wherein

  The present invention can be suitably used for a dental imaging apparatus that can be used to photograph teeth.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographing system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The front view which shows the camera unit of the said Example 1. FIG. The left view which shows the camera unit of the said Example 1. FIG. The right view which shows the camera unit of the said Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the camera unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the camera unit of the first embodiment. The rear view which shows the camera unit of the said Example 1. FIG. The rear view which shows the camera unit of the said Example 1 from a slightly upper viewpoint. The perspective view which shows the camera unit of the said Example 1 from the viewpoint of the front upper right. The perspective view which shows the camera unit of the said Example 1 from the back lower right viewpoint. The perspective view which shows the camera unit of the said Example 1 from the viewpoint of the back upper right. The front view which shows the cradle of the said Example 1. FIG. The left view which shows the cradle of the said Example 1. FIG. The right view which shows the cradle of the said Example 1. FIG. The top view which shows the cradle of the said Example 1. FIG. The bottom view which shows the cradle of the said Example 1. FIG. The rear view which shows the cradle of the said Example 1. FIG. The rear view which shows the cradle of the said Example 1 from a slightly upper viewpoint. In the said Example 1, the perspective view which shows the cradle of the state which opened the cover from the viewpoint on the back upper left. In the said Example 1, the perspective view which shows the cradle of the state which closed the cover from the viewpoint of a back upper left. In the said Example 1, the front view which shows the camera unit with which the cradle was mounted | worn. In the said Example 1, the left view which shows the camera unit with which the cradle was mounted | worn. In the said Example 1, the right view which shows the camera unit with which the cradle was mounted | worn. In the said Example 1, the top view which shows the camera unit with which the cradle was mounted | worn. In the said Example 1, the bottom view which shows the camera unit with which the cradle was mounted | worn. In the said Example 1, the rear view which shows the camera unit with which the cradle was mounted | worn. In the said Example 1, the rear view which shows the camera unit with which the cradle was mounted | worn from a slightly upper viewpoint. In the said Example 1, the perspective view which shows the camera unit with which the cradle of the state which opened the cover was mounted | worn from the viewpoint of the upper left of a back surface. In the said Example 1, the perspective view which shows the camera unit with which the cover was closed in the cradle with the cover closed from the upper left viewpoint. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating specific configurations of a camera unit and a cradle in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an RGB color image sensor in the camera unit of the first embodiment. In the said Example 1, the diagram which shows the zone | band characteristic of seven types of LED. The figure which shows a mode that the subject's face is image | photographed by the face imaging mode in the said Example 1. FIG. In the said Example 1, the figure which shows a mode that the whole subject's jaw is image | photographed by all jaw imaging | photography mode. The figure which shows a mode that the subject's tooth | gear is image | photographed by the single-tooth imaging | photography mode in the said Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration mainly on a back side of the camera unit in the first embodiment. In the said Example 1, the perspective view which shows the structure of the cradle of the state which closed the cover. FIG. 3 is a development view showing an index provided on the focus lever in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an LCD monitor in a camera mode in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the guideline of the LCD monitor in the single tooth imaging | photography mode in the said Example 1. FIG. In the said Example 1, the figure which shows the example of a display of the tooth-form table and cursor icon of the LCD monitor in single-tooth imaging | photography mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning display that prompts the user to perform calibration in the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing when imaging is performed by the camera unit in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the detail of the process of the calibration information acquisition in step S4 of the said FIG. The flowchart which shows the detail of the mode selection process in step S7 of the said FIG. The flowchart which shows the detail of the single-tooth image imaging process in step S10 of the said FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing calibration processing in the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing for transferring an image from a camera unit to a PC in the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

5 ... RGB color imaging device (imaging means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5a ... Image pick-up element 5b ... Color filter array 16 ... Shooting lens 17 ... Signal processing part 18 ... A / D converter 69 ... Camera unit (dental imaging device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 ... Illumination unit 70a, 70b ... LED illumination part 72 ... Cradle 72a ... Concave 72b ... Concave 72c ... Bridge part 72d ... Battery charging / USB terminal 72e ... Cover 73 ... Imaging unit 74 ... Illumination optical system 75 ... LED memory 76 ... Temperature Sensor 79 ... Focus lever (shooting mode setting means)
79a ... Knurl 79b, 79c, 79d ... Index 79e, 79f ... Arrow 79g ... Index 80 ... Contact for position detection 81 ... Camera control CPU (control means, timing means, correction means, voltage detection means)
82 ... Local bus 83 ... LED driver 84 ... Data I / F
85 ... Composite output terminal 86 ... LCD monitor (display means, notification means)
87 ... LCD controller 88 ... Overlay memory 89 ... Image memory 90 ... Operation unit I / F
91 ... 1st function button (photographing mode setting means, tooth number designation means)
92 ... Second function button (tooth number designation means)
93 ... Third function button (photographing mode setting means, tooth number designation means)
95 ... Charge LED
96 ... Alarm buzzer 97 ... Communication I / F controller (communication means)
98 ... Communication I / F connection contact (communication means)
99 ... Lithium ion battery 100 ... Charging contact 102 ... Power switch 104 ... Power lamp 105 ... Power supply connector 106 ... AC adapter 110 ... Reference plate 111 ... Micro switch 120 ... Battery level icon 121 ... Camera mode icon 121 '... Single tooth Shooting mode icon 122 ... Single-tooth shooting mode icon 123 ... Confirm icon 124 ... Guideline non-display icon 125 ... Left move button icon 126 ... Right move icon 127 ... Tooth number icon 128 ... Trash bin icon 129 ... Warm-up icons 131, 132 ... Guidelines 133 ... Tooth table 133a ... Cursor icon 134 ... Character 260 ... Contact cap 260a ... Hook
Agent Patent Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (12)

A shooting mode setting means for setting a shooting mode according to the shooting target, including a tooth shooting mode;
An imaging means for imaging an imaging target;
Display means for displaying an image obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
Comprising
The display means changes and displays a guide display that assists in framing the imaging target so as to be optimal according to the imaging mode, and the guide display in the tooth imaging mode is a tooth display . Dental imaging characterized by showing an optimum shape or size range for containing a tooth to be imaged according to a tooth number designated by a tooth number designation means for designating a number apparatus.   The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide display in the tooth imaging mode is a rectangular, triangular, circular, or elliptical frame line.   The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the photographing mode further includes at least one of a face photographing mode and a full jaw photographing mode.   The guide display in the face photographing mode or the full jaw photographing mode is symmetric in at least one of left and right and up and down with respect to the center of the display screen by the display means. Dental imaging device.   4. The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the guide display in the face photographing mode or the full jaw photographing mode indicates at least a center of a display screen by the display means.   6. The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guide display in the face photographing mode or the full jaw photographing mode is a horizontal line, a vertical line, or a combination of a horizontal line and a vertical line.   The dental imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the guide display that assists in framing the imaging target includes an index indicating a dimension of the imaging target. 2. The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the guide display indicates a standard width of a tooth specified by a tooth number specified by the tooth number specifying means. The display means performs guide display of an optimum shape or size depending on whether the tooth specified by the tooth number specified by the tooth number specifying means is an upper tooth or a lower tooth. The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: Shooting mode setting means for setting a shooting mode according to the shooting target;
An imaging means for imaging an imaging target;
Display means for displaying an image obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
A tooth number designating means for designating a tooth number;
Comprising
The display means changes and displays a guide display that assists in framing the object to be photographed so as to be optimal in accordance with the photographing mode, and displays the tooth specified by the tooth number specifying means. A dental imaging apparatus characterized by performing guide display of an optimal shape or size according to a number.   11. The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the guide display indicates a standard tooth width specified by a tooth number specified by the tooth number specifying means.   The display means performs guide display of an optimum shape or size depending on whether the tooth specified by the tooth number specified by the tooth number specifying means is an upper tooth or a lower tooth. The dental imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein:

Images