JPH1156774A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable to secure safety, improve operability, prevent a failure of the inner electronic circuit, improve hygiene, by building all of imaging part, signal processing part, light source, and power source part in a box. SOLUTION: A box tip end part 1 and a box grip part 2 are formed of ABS resin to constitute the tip end of an intraoral camera main body. A gap between the box tip end part 1 and the box grip part 2 is waterproofed by a packing 3. Constituting elements including an imaging part, signal processing part, light source, and power source part are built in the box. A power source ON/OFF switch 4, static image switch 5, and a charging condition indicating lamp 6 are mounted on the grip part 2 and connected to a TV monitor set, etc., through a video cable 7. A lighting/imaging window 8 made of acrylate resin is formed on the tip end 1. Thus waterproof performance is improved and carrying is made easier. Optical fiber, etc., is made unnecessary to make the device lighter.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light source for illuminating the inside of an oral cavity or the like, which is used in dentistry, oral surgery or general households.
The present invention relates to an imaging device having a built-in imaging unit such as a CD.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hereinafter, an intraoral camera will be described as an imaging device.

In recent years, an intraoral camera using a CCD has been used for medical treatment of an affected part in the oral cavity in dentistry, oral surgery and the like. In such an apparatus, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-176 is disclosed.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 436, there is an apparatus in which illumination light from an external light source is guided by a light fiber. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 246347/1990, there is an image sensor that guides a subject image to an image sensor using an image fiber and further has an external video control circuit. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-33221
As described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 70-270, there is a device in which a light source is arranged near a tip and an image signal is converted into a radio wave by a battery and transmitted.

[0004]

However, in the conventional intraoral camera, the illumination light is a halogen lamp that consumes about 50 W of power, and the illumination light and the power supplied to the imaging device are supplied from a commercial power supply having a ground terminal. Have been. The power supply, the illumination light source and the camera circuit are housed in a stationary metal case and cannot be carried. In addition, since the stationary metal case and the probe with the handle are connected by an optical fiber for guiding illumination light or a multi-core signal line, they have a problem that they are heavy and difficult to handle.

[0005] In addition, the halogen lamp of the illuminating light generates a large amount of heat and consumes a large amount of power, and usually needs to be replaced every several hundred hours. Further, since the stationary metal case is provided with a large number of heat radiation holes and is not waterproofed, there has been a problem that the installation place is restricted in a dental clinic.

Further, the length of the optical fiber for guiding the illumination light is required to be several meters, which is very expensive.

Further, the power is supplied from a commercial power supply such as AC100V, and it has problems that it cannot be carried and that it is difficult to secure safety in the event of a ground fault or the like.

When a dry battery is used as the power source, the battery must be replaced frequently, which is unsuitable for business use such as a dental clinic due to its handleability. There were challenges. Further, although the intraoral camera is used in an environment where it is easily exposed to water, there is a problem that replacing the battery with a wet hand may cause a failure of an internal electronic circuit.

Further, since the video signal output cable is connected to a television monitor device or a video printer, the cable is cumbersome during intraoral imaging and has a hygienic problem that cleaning or cleaning is difficult or difficult. I was

Further, the probe with a grip portion is covered with a metal case grounded to a power source, and has a problem that a waterproof structure cannot be provided between the probe and a transparent window material for illumination and imaging.

The image pickup unit is built in a position corresponding to the grip, not the tip of the probe with a grip, and an image is formed from the tip via a prism, a diaphragm, several combined lenses, etc. There have been problems in productivity and parts management, such as the positional relationship of parts is severely limited and it is difficult to remove dust and dirt.

The stationary metal case and the probe with the grip are connected by a thick and heavy cable, and when the probe with the grip is held, it is pulled by the cable attached to the rear. Had the problem of getting tired.

Further, the conventional intraoral camera is equipped with a mechanism capable of adjusting the imaging viewing angle and the focal length, but this adjustment mechanism is not waterproof, is expensive, and the weight of the probe with a grip is heavy. Had the problem that

Further, the conventional intraoral camera has a structure in which a probe with a grip portion cannot be removed or a lens system cannot be mounted, and cannot be used for other purposes.

[0015] Further, since the light emitted from the emission portion disposed around the imaging window illuminates mainly below the emission portion, the center of the imaging window cannot be illuminated during close-up shooting, and the center of the captured image becomes dark. Had a problem.

Further, when an optical fiber is used for a light guide, there is a problem that the number of components such as a condensing lens is large and the number of processing steps is large, so that the manufacturing process is complicated.

In addition, since the depth of the subject is obtained by narrowing the aperture of the lens in order to take a subject having irregularities during close-up photography, a strong light source such as a halogen lamp is required. I had to prepare.
Therefore, the device was large and could not be carried with one hand.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus which solves each of the above problems.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, a first image pickup apparatus of the present invention has an image pickup section having a lens and an image pickup element, and converts an output from the image pickup section into a video signal. A signal processing unit, a light source for irradiating an imaging target, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the imaging unit, the signal processing unit, and the light source, and the imaging unit, the signal processing unit, the light source, and the power supply All of the parts are built into the housing.

In a second imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light source comprises a white light emitting diode element, and the light source is arranged near the front end of the housing to directly irradiate the object to be imaged.

In a third imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light source comprises a plurality of white light emitting diode elements, and the light source is disposed at a position other than the tip of the housing, and the light source is formed by a light guide made of a transparent resin material. In this configuration, the irradiation light of the light source is guided to the tip of the body.

Further, in the fourth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the power supply unit comprises a battery. Further, in a fifth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the power supply unit includes a storage battery and a charging circuit for charging the storage battery, and the charging circuit is configured to receive power supply from a non-contact charger provided outside. Provided with a secondary coil.

A sixth imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting a video signal output from the imaging unit, and the wireless transmission unit is housed in a housing.

In a seventh imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the housing is made of resin, and the front end of the housing has a transparent portion, and the housing and the transparent portion have a waterproof structure. It is.

[0025] In an eighth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the lens is made of a resinous aspherical lens, and the imaging unit is arranged near the front end of the housing.

A ninth imaging apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration in which the position of the center of gravity is substantially near the grip portion of the housing.

A tenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a detachable cover with a lens, and converts the viewing angle or the focal length by attaching the cover with the lens to the front end of a housing. .

In an eleventh imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the housing comprises a detachable housing grip portion and a housing front end, and a plurality of housing front ends having different shapes as the housing front end. Part, the ear canal, the scalp, by selecting one of the plurality of housing tip portions and mounting it on the housing grip portion
This is a configuration adapted to a subject other than the oral cavity such as a pupil.

A twelfth imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes: a light source for irradiating light; a light guide for guiding light from the light source to a subject; and an imaging unit for forming an image of the subject. The light guide is formed integrally with an incident part on which light from the light source is incident, a transmission part following the incident part, and an emission part for emitting the light, and the emission part is an axis of the transmission part. And a reflecting portion for making a direction different from a direction of the light emitted from the emitting portion.

Further, a thirteenth imaging device of the present invention includes a housing for accommodating at least a light guide, a transmitting portion of the light guide transmits light in an axial direction of the housing, and an emitting portion is provided. The light is emitted in a direction different from the axial direction of the housing.

A fourteenth image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is such that the reflecting portion is formed in a reflecting mirror shape. Further, the fifteenth aspect of the present invention.
In the imaging device of the above, the light guide is a plate-like body,
A plurality of the light guides are provided, and at least two of the plurality of light guides are not parallel to each other.

A sixteenth image pickup apparatus according to the present invention has two light guides provided in parallel, and a light guide which is not parallel to the two light guides is provided between the two light guides. .

Further, a seventeenth image pickup device of the present invention has a plurality of light guides integrated.

An eighteenth imaging device according to the present invention includes a housing for housing at least a light guide,
An imaging window for taking in light from a subject in the housing,
The light emitted from the emission section of the light guide is emitted while being inclined to the side where the imaging window is located.

In a nineteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light guide is a plate-like body provided substantially perpendicular to the imaging window, and the light source is inclined in the thickness direction of the light guide of the plate-like body. It is provided.

Further, in the twentieth image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the entrance of the light guide has an inclined surface in a direction of increasing the thickness of the plate-like body.

A twenty-first imaging apparatus according to the present invention is a plate-like body in which the light guide is provided substantially perpendicular to the imaging window, and the light guide has an incident portion in a direction in which the thickness of the plate-like body is increased. And the light source is arranged such that the optical axis of the strongest light from the light source intersects the inclined surface.

A twenty-second image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes a light diffusing section near an output section of a light guide.

In a twenty-third imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light diffusing portion is formed by either graining or unevenness.

A twenty-fourth imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing accommodating at least a light guide,
The housing includes a transparent part that covers an imaging window for receiving light from a subject, and a light diffusion part that is located near the transparent part.

A twenty-fifth imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing accommodating at least a light guide,
An imaging window for taking in light from a subject in the housing,
A cover including a transparent portion located at a position corresponding to the imaging window and a light diffusion portion located near the transparent portion is attached to the housing.

In the twenty-sixth imaging apparatus of the present invention, two plate-shaped light guides are provided in parallel with each other.
The light guide that is not parallel to the two light guides that are parallel to each other is placed between the two light guides that are parallel to each other, and the emission portion is closer to the incidence portion than the emission portions of the two light guides that are parallel to each other. And a prism is disposed between the emission portions of the two light guides parallel to each other and in front of the emission portion of the light guide existing between the two light guides parallel to each other.

A twenty-seventh imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing accommodating at least a light guide,
The housing includes an imaging window for taking in light from a subject into the housing and a prism provided between the imaging window and the light guide, and the prism has a trapezoidal cross section, and one slope of the trapezoidal shape is The imaging window is perpendicular to the upper bottom and the lower bottom, and the imaging window is on the lower bottom side.

In the twenty-eighth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light emitted from the light source is directional light.

[0045]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With the above configuration, in the first imaging apparatus of the present invention, all the components (at least the imaging section, the signal processing section, the light source, and the power supply section) of the imaging apparatus are built in the housing. , Easy to carry. In addition, since a cable composed of an optical fiber and a multi-core signal line is unnecessary or extremely lightweight, the ease of handling is greatly improved.

Further, in the second imaging apparatus of the present invention, the light source directly irradiates the object to be imaged with the white light emitting diode element without using the optical fiber, so that the efficiency can be improved while suppressing the heat generation and the power consumption. I can do it. For example, a forward current of 20 mA and a driving voltage of 5 V for a white light emitting diode element
Assuming that two white light emitting diode elements are mounted, the power consumption is 0.2 W, and the temperature rise can be suppressed to about 10 ° C. or less by providing one protective cap.
The directivity of the white light emitting diode element eliminates the need for a reflector and makes the device compact. In addition, several tens of white light emitting diodes
Since it has a life of 00 hours or more, the trouble of replacing the light source is eliminated, and the risk of damage to the light source is reduced. Further, since the light source is built into the housing, a stationary metal case and an optical fiber are not required, so that the light source can be configured at a low cost and the installation location is not restricted.

Further, in the third imaging apparatus of the present invention, the light guide guides the illumination light from the light source disposed at a position other than the front end of the housing to make it thin and irradiates the imaging object from the front end of the housing. The tip of the body can be made thinner, making it easier to observe the back teeth. Further, since the light source is built into the housing, a stationary metal case and an optical fiber are not required, so that the light source can be configured at a low cost and the installation location is not restricted.

In the fourth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the power supply section is composed of a battery, so that it can be easily carried. In addition, since it is not necessary to supply a power cord from the housing to the outside, dangers and failures due to power short-circuit, disconnection, leakage, and the like are eliminated. Furthermore, if a load with low power consumption such as a white light emitting diode element is used as the light source, the load can be used continuously for a long time, which is practically inferior to the conventional imaging apparatus.

Further, the fifth image pickup apparatus of the present invention has a non-contact charging secondary coil provided in a charging circuit and a non-contact charging secondary coil provided in a charging circuit, in addition to the effects of the fourth image pickup apparatus of the present invention, to provide an external device. Since the battery can be charged simply by being installed in the provided non-contact charger, it is not necessary to frequently replace the battery. Also, if the contactless charger is configured to be used as a stand for the imaging device, and the imaging device is automatically charged by leaning on the contactless charger when not in use, the user can frequently use the battery. There is no need to replace them. Further, since the battery electrode is not exposed to the outside of the housing, the possibility of failure of the internal circuit due to corrosion of the battery electrode or electrostatic noise is drastically reduced, and the life is extended. Further, both the housing and the non-contact charger can be easily made to have a waterproof structure, and are suitable for business use such as a dental clinic due to their ease of handling such as being washable with water.

Further, the sixth imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a wireless transmission section for wirelessly transmitting a video signal, so that the user is free from the trouble of a video cable which is attached to the imaging apparatus at the time of intraoral imaging. In addition, there is no hygiene problem that the video cable cannot be cleaned or cleaned, and the possibility of failure such as short-circuit or disconnection of the video cable is drastically reduced. Furthermore, accidents such as dropping a connected device by catching a hand or foot on a video cable or disconnecting a connector portion and hitting a human body are eliminated.
Further, if the power supply unit is constituted by a battery (including a storage battery), complete wireless communication is achieved, which is more useful.

Also, in the seventh imaging apparatus of the present invention, the resin housing can be easily and inexpensively made to have a waterproof structure by ultrasonic welding between the transparent section for illumination and imaging. Becomes

Further, in the eighth image pickup apparatus of the present invention, by using a resin-made aspheric lens, the number of lenses conventionally required from about 4 to 6 can be reduced to 1 or 2. In addition, the dimensional variation during mounting can be reduced by the optical system components arranged near the front end of the housing with a small number of components. In addition, the number of optical components that dislike dust and dirt is reduced, which is advantageous in terms of component management and cost. Further, the shock resistance when dropped from the front end of the housing is also improved.

Further, since the ninth imaging device of the present invention is configured such that the position of the center of gravity is substantially near the grip portion of the housing, the user is less likely to be tired even if the user holds the imaging device for a long time.

In the tenth imaging device of the present invention, the viewing angle or the focal length is changed by attaching a cover with a lens to the front end of the housing, so that the imaging device itself can be easily waterproofed. By attaching a lens cover to the camera, it is possible to widen the angle of the entire tooth.

In the eleventh imaging apparatus according to the present invention, one of a plurality of housing tips having different shapes is selected and attached to the housing grip, thereby obtaining the shape and the viewing angle of the body tip. The focal length and the like can be changed, and can be easily applied to other uses (for example, adaptation to subjects other than the oral cavity such as the ear canal, scalp, and pupil).

Further, the twelfth imaging device of the present invention has a simplified structure by using a light guide formed integrally.

In a thirteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the transmitting portion of the light guide transmits light in the axial direction of the housing, and the emitting portion transmits light in a direction different from the axial direction of the housing. Since the light is emitted, light can be emitted in a direction different from the axial direction of the housing, and the size of the housing can be reduced.

In the fourteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the reflecting portion is formed in a reflecting mirror shape, so that the reflection efficiency at the reflecting portion can be increased, the light guide efficiency of the light guide is increased, and the illumination light is increased. Brightness can be increased.

In the fifteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, any two light guides among the plurality of light guides are provided not parallel to each other, thereby superimposing illumination unevenness generated in illumination light from each light guide. By doing so, uneven lighting can be eliminated, and lighting without uneven lighting can be achieved.

Further, in the sixteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, illumination unevenness generated by illumination light of two light guides provided in parallel and illumination generated by a light guide not parallel to the two light guides provided therebetween. By overlapping the unevenness, it is possible to achieve illumination without unevenness in illumination.

Further, in the seventeenth imaging apparatus of the present invention, the number of components can be reduced by integrating a plurality of light guides as compared with a case where a plurality of light guide paths are used.

Further, in the eighteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light emitted from the emission part of the light guide is emitted while being tilted to the side where the imaging window is located, so that the object in front of the imaging window can be efficiently used. Lighting can be performed well, and it is particularly useful for eliminating uneven lighting during close-up photography.

In a nineteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light guide is a plate-like body provided substantially perpendicular to the imaging window, and the light source is inclined in the thickness direction of the light guide of the plate-like body. The light emitted from the emission portion of the light guide is emitted while being inclined to the side with the imaging window, and can efficiently illuminate the subject in front of the imaging window, It is particularly useful for eliminating uneven lighting during close-up photography.

Further, in the twentieth imaging apparatus of the present invention, since the light guide entrance portion is provided with the inclined surface in the direction of increasing the plate-like thickness, the light guide entrance surface can be made wider and the light guide can be made wider. Light guiding efficiency can be increased.

Also, in the twenty-first image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, the optical axis of the strongest light from the light source intersects the inclined surface in the direction of increasing the thickness of the plate-like body, and the strongest light from the light source is Since the light is reflected by the surface and emitted while being inclined to the side with the imaging window, the subject in front of the imaging window can be efficiently illuminated, and is particularly useful for eliminating illumination unevenness during close-up shooting.

A twenty-second image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes a diffusing portion near the light emitting portion of the light guide, and diffuses the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the light guide to eliminate illumination unevenness. Can be.

A twenty-third imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a light diffusion portion formed by either graining or unevenness in the vicinity of an emission portion of the light guide. The emitted light can be diffused to eliminate uneven illumination.

A twenty-fourth imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing for accommodating at least a light guide,
The housing includes a transparent part that covers an imaging window that receives light from a subject, and a light diffusion part that is located near the transparent part, and diffuses light emitted from an emission part of the light guide. As a result, uneven illumination can be eliminated, and a clear image of the subject can be taken in from the imaging window.

A twenty-fifth imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing for accommodating at least a light guide,
An imaging window for taking in light from a subject in the housing,
A cover provided with a transparent portion located at a position corresponding to the imaging window and a light diffusing portion near the transparent portion is attached to the housing, and the same effect as in the twenty-fourth imaging device is provided. , And the cover can be easily attached and detached, so that handling during cleaning and the like becomes easy.

In the twenty-sixth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, illumination unevenness caused by illumination light of two light guides provided in parallel and illumination unevenness caused by a light guide not parallel to the two light guides provided therebetween. Can be illuminated without any illumination unevenness, and since the prism is arranged between the two light guides provided in parallel, light is emitted from the two light guides provided in parallel. The light irradiates the subject evenly, and the illumination unevenness can be further prevented.

In a twenty-seventh imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the prism has a trapezoidal cross section, and one slope of the trapezoid is perpendicular to the upper bottom and the lower bottom, and the imaging window Is located on the lower bottom side, and by providing a distance between the reflection surface in the prism and the surface from which an image is emitted, the distance between the prism and the imaging unit is shortened, and the angle of view of the imaging unit is suppressed. And the depth of the subject can be obtained.

In the twenty-eighth imaging apparatus of the present invention, the light emitted from the light source is directional light,
Since the efficiency of incidence on the light guide increases, the light emitted from the emission part becomes bright.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1A is a front view of an intraoral camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a side view thereof. Reference numeral 1 denotes a front end portion of the housing, and 2 denotes a grip portion of the housing, each of which is formed of ABS resin. The total length of the intraoral camera body including the housing tip 1 and the housing grip 2 is 230 mm
And the weight including the contents is about 130 g. The top of the housing tip 1 has a width of about 10 mm. Further, the housing front end portion 1 and the housing grip portion 2 are waterproofed by a packing 3.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a power ON / OFF switch, reference numeral 5 denotes a still image switch for stopping a video signal output of a moving image, reference numeral 6 denotes a charge state display lamp for displaying a battery charge state, and reference numeral 7 denotes NT.
This is a video cable that outputs an SC video signal, and video can be easily obtained simply by connecting it to a television monitor device, a video printer, or a video capture device for a computer. Reference numeral 8 denotes an illumination / imaging window made of a transparent acrylic resin. The illumination / imaging window 8 is used to irradiate light from a light source to an imaging target or input an image of the imaging target through the illumination / imaging window 8.

Similarly, FIG. 2A is a front view showing a form of the intraoral camera according to the present embodiment when the charger is installed, and FIG. 2B is a side view thereof. The intraoral camera is configured to be automatically charged simply by installing it in the non-contact charger 9. That is, the non-contact charger 9 and the intraoral camera body (housing grip portion 2) each have a built-in coil, and the two coils are close to each other and electromagnetically coupled to transfer energy. . AC 100 on the contactless charger 9 side
A power cable 10 connected to a commercial power supply such as V is attached, and a primary coil oscillation circuit for contactless charging from the commercial power supply is built in. In addition, the non-contact charger 9
Is provided with a cylindrical hole (not shown) into which the housing grip 2 of the intraoral camera is inserted, and a part around the hole is provided for the video cable 7 of the intraoral camera. Notches are provided.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an intraoral camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a light guide used in the intraoral camera, and FIG. FIG. 3, components having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 11 denotes a prism for bending the target image by 90 °, reference numerals 12 and 13 denote resin aspheric lenses, and reference numeral 14 denotes a stop. Reference numeral 15 denotes an optical filter that passes only the visible wavelength band.

16 is C of 1/3 inch 250,000 pixel color
This is a CD solid-state imaging device, and is connected to a camera circuit board 18 via a flexible cable 17. The prism 11, the resinous aspheric lenses 12, 13, the aperture 14, the optical filter 15, the CCD solid-state image sensor 16
Is attached to the lens barrel 61. Camera circuit board 1
At 8, a drive signal is output to the solid-state imaging device 16, and the input signal is converted into an NTSC video signal and output to the outside. Reference numeral 19 denotes a white light emitting diode serving as a light source, and reference numeral 20 denotes a light guide that guides irradiation light from the white light emitting diode 19 to the illumination / imaging window 8 made of a transparent resin. Note that, for convenience of description, hatching is not provided in the illumination / imaging window 8 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the light guides 20 are made of a transparent acrylic resin, and are provided one on each side so as to sandwich a mirror angle 61 having the solid-state imaging device 16 and the like, and have a length of about 50 mm to 100 mm. The distal end has a thin thickness of about 1 mm in width, and is configured to be reflected on a 45 ° plane and emitted to an imaging target. At the hand side, white light-emitting diodes 19 each having a diameter of 3 mm are arranged so as to be in contact with two by two, and light source light is incident thereon. Thereby, four white light emitting diodes 1
The wide-angle light emitted from the light source 9 can be efficiently condensed on the front end of the main body by the two light guides 20, so that the front end of the main body can be made thinner, and it can be easily used in the back teeth and the mouth of a child. Observation becomes possible. Light guide 20
Is not an expensive optical fiber but an acrylic resin plate, so it is inexpensive and has excellent assemblability.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a power supply board, which charges the lithium ion secondary battery 22 by installing the intraoral camera body in the non-contact charger 9 (described with reference to FIG. 2). The power supply board 21 is connected to the camera circuit board 18 by a connector 23 and to the white light emitting diode 19 by a flexible cable 24. In other words, the portable light box has a light source, an imaging optical system, a camera circuit, a power supply circuit, and a battery all built therein.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a rear cover from which the lithium ion secondary battery 22 can be replaced. Even if the battery runs out while using the intraoral camera body, it can be used immediately by replacing it with another fully charged lithium ion secondary battery. The heaviest of the components built into the intraoral camera body is the lithium ion secondary battery 22, which is about １ ／ of all components (about 43
g). Next, the heaviest is the camera circuit board 18 (about 20) disposed in front of the lithium ion secondary battery 22.
g), and the position of the center of gravity when all components are mounted is arranged so as to be immediately near the ON / OFF switch 4 of the power supply as shown in FIG. Accordingly, when the user naturally holds the intraoral camera main body, the position of the center of gravity coincides with the base of the finger serving as a fulcrum, so that the structure is hard to be tired even if it is held for a long time. Reference numeral 26 denotes a liquid crystal display type television monitor, and reference numeral 9 denotes a non-contact charger which stands up when the intraoral camera is not used.

Next, the operation and operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is an overall block diagram of the intraoral camera according to the present embodiment, FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the non-contact charging means 31, and FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram of the power supply control means 30. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 31 denotes a non-contact charging means, which is brought close to a primary coil provided in the charger 9 to obtain electric energy in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic coupling, and then fixed to the lithium ion secondary battery 22. Current constant voltage charging control is being performed. Reference numeral 6 denotes a charging status display lamp, which lights red when the current charging status is charging, turns green when charging is completed, flashes red when a charging error occurs due to temperature rise, etc., and does not display when no battery is installed or a charger is not installed. It has become.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a power control means, which receives an operation signal from an ON / OFF switch input circuit 27 provided on the power supply board 21 and sends the operation signal to the camera circuit 28 and the white light emitting diode 19 provided on the camera circuit board 18. Of the power supply, that is, the permission / prohibition control of the discharge to the electric load. Reference numeral 5 denotes a still image switch. With this operation, the moving image / still image generation circuit 32 switches the video moving image signal output from the camera circuit 28 to a still image and outputs the signal to the video cable 7. In the moving image / still image generation circuit 32,
When an operation signal is received again from the still image switch 5, the original moving image input signal from the still image is output to the video cable 7 as it is.

The camera circuit 28 is connected to an imaging optical module 33 including the prism 11, the lenses 12, 13, the aperture 14, the lens barrel 61, and the like, and the solid-state imaging device 16. A two-dimensional color image is always captured in the camera circuit 28. Camera circuit 28
After digitizing an analog signal fetched from the solid-state imaging device 16 and performing noise removal processing, the image quality / gain adjustment and the mirror image are inverted to a normal image. Camera circuit 28
While power is being supplied from the power control means 30,
A drive signal is transmitted to the solid-state imaging device 16 and an image signal is input, converted to an NTSC video signal, and transmitted to the moving image / still image generation circuit 32.

The camera circuit 28 including the solid-state image pickup device 16 and the moving image / still image generating circuit 32
This is a load that consumes about 0 mA of current. Similarly, during energization by the power supply control means 30, the white light emitting diode 19
Is constantly irradiating the teeth in the oral cavity to be imaged through the light guide 20. The white light-emitting diodes 19 are light sources each having a luminous intensity of about 800 mcd when a forward current of 25 mA flows, and four light-emitting diodes correspond to a current load of 100 mA. That is, if a 5V constant voltage power supply is supplied from the power supply control means 30, a total of 300 mA is provided when the power supply is turned on.
Is connected.

Reference numeral 29 denotes a battery exhaustion warning display section, which blinks to indicate battery exhaustion when the remaining battery voltage becomes low during operation of the camera circuit 28 or the like. In the case of the lithium ion secondary battery 22, the battery voltage detected by the power control means 30 is, for example, 3 since the battery voltage generally corresponds to the remaining battery level.
It is assumed that blinking is started when the voltage becomes V or less. The blinking display by the battery exhaustion warning display section 29 continues until the discharge is stopped by the ON / OFF switch input circuit 27 or until the non-contact charging means 31 starts charging. If the intraoral camera body is placed on the non-contact charger 9 during normal operation (during discharging), the charging operation is prioritized, and discharging is automatically prohibited. Note that the battery exhaustion warning display section 29 may be replaced by a charge state display lamp. In this case, it is easy to understand by changing the blinking pattern and color.

Next, the operation and operation of the non-contact charging means 31 will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 34 denotes a secondary coil for non-contact charging, which stores electric energy by electromagnetic coupling with a primary coil in the external non-contact charger 9. The non-contact charging secondary coil 34 and the primary coil in the external non-contact charger 9 are arranged so as to be closest to each other when the intraoral camera body is installed in the non-contact charger 9. The electric energy stored in the non-contact charging secondary coil 34 is converted by the rectification / constant voltage circuit 35 into a 5V DC voltage source. Reference numeral 36 denotes a charger detection unit, which detects whether or not the intraoral camera body is physically installed in the non-contact charger 9 by a reed switch, and notifies the charging determination unit 37 and the power supply control unit 30.

The charging judging section 37 includes the charging current detecting section 3
8, a battery voltage detecting unit 39, a temperature detecting unit 40, a charging time measuring unit 41, a switching control unit 42, and a charging state display lamp 6 are connected. The charging determination unit 37 drives the switching control unit 42 based on detection signals from the charging current detection unit 38 and the battery voltage detection unit 39 to perform constant voltage and constant current charging. That is, the lithium ion secondary battery 2
When the voltage of No. 2 is 4.1 V or less, constant-current charging is performed at a constant current of 300 mA, and after reaching 4.1 V, switching to constant-voltage charging is performed, and the charging current is gradually reduced.
The lithium ion secondary battery 22 has a cylindrical shape, usually called a 18650 type, and is a one-cell package having a capacity of about 1350 mAh, and a protection circuit for overcharge, overdischarge, or temperature during charge / discharge is mounted inside. I have.

In the battery voltage detecting section 39, the lithium ion 2
The battery voltage of the secondary battery 22 is constantly detected, and the charging determination unit 37 prohibits charging when the battery voltage is 2.8 V or less or 4.2 V or more. The temperature detecting section 40 detects the ambient temperature around the lithium ion secondary battery 22, and the charging judging section 37 prohibits charging when the temperature is 0 ° C or lower or 45 ° C or higher. The charging time timer 41 measures a charging duration time from the start of charging, and prohibits charging when the charging time exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 5 hours). 13
If a battery of 50 mAh capacity is charged at 300 mA, it should be fully charged in 4.5 hours even from an empty state. If charging is not completed even after 5 hours, some abnormality may have occurred. Is considered.

The switching controller 42 performs chopping of the power supply voltage from the rectifier / constant voltage circuit 35 by PWM control with a switching frequency of about 100 kHz, and performs predetermined charging of the lithium ion secondary battery 22. As the switching element, a surface-mount type power MOSFET having a low ON resistance is used. The charging status display lamp 6 is an output from the charging determination unit 37 as described above. The charging status indicator lamp 6 lights red when the current charging status is charging, turns green when charging is completed, flashes red when a charging error occurs due to a temperature rise, etc. It is configured not to display if it is not installed or a non-contact charger is not installed. The components of the non-contact charging means 31, the charging state display lamp 6, and the power control means 30 are all mounted on the power supply board 21 as surface-mounted electronic components.

Next, the operation and operation of the power supply control means 30 will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 43 denotes a discharge permission determination unit, which includes a contactless charging unit 31, an ON / OFF switch input circuit 2,
7, connected to the low battery warning display section 29, the battery voltage detection section 39, the discharge time counting section 44, and the power switch circuit 45.

The ON / OFF switch 4 provided in the ON / OFF switch input circuit 27 is a toggle-type push switch.
The F state switches. In the discharge permission determining unit 43, the battery voltage in the battery voltage detecting unit 39 is in the range of 2.8V to 4.1V, and is not being charged by the non-contact charging unit 31 or being installed in the non-contact charger 9; ON /
Only when the OFF switch input circuit 27 is in the ON state, the gate of the power switch circuit 45 is opened to permit discharge.

Reference numeral 46 denotes an overcurrent protection fuse of about 2 A. Reference numeral 47 denotes a booster circuit for boosting the battery voltage to a constant voltage of 5 V. The 5 V, 300 mA load after boosting corresponds to a current load of about 595 mA when viewed from the battery, when the average battery voltage is 3.6 V and the power conversion efficiency in the boosting circuit 47 is 70%. The discharge time counting unit 44 is provided to prevent the user from forgetting to turn off the switch while the switch is in the ON state, and is a timer that automatically returns to the switch OFF state once continuous discharge has continued for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). . This prevents the remaining amount of the lithium ion secondary battery 22 from being emptied while the switch is kept ON, even though it is not actually used.

Although the lithium ion secondary battery 22 has been described as a battery of the power supply section, other secondary batteries such as nickel cadmium batteries and nickel hydride batteries or dry batteries may be provided. The ON / OFF switch 4 and the still image switch need not be push switches. For example, the power may be turned on automatically when the ON / OFF switch 4 is removed and the battery is taken out from the non-contact charger 9, or the still image switch 5 may be taken out of the intraoral camera body and used as a foot pedal type. .

Further, a configuration may be provided in which a print switch and a monitor screen when connected to a video printer are divided and displayed. Although the lenses 12 and 13 and the aperture 14 in the imaging optical module 33 are fixed here, a focus switching mechanism for moving the lenses 12 and 13 or the solid-state imaging device 16 and an aperture adjustment mechanism for changing the aperture diameter are provided. May be provided. In addition, the case tip 1 and the case grip 2 constituting the intraoral camera body are made of ABS resin. However, the thickness of the tip is reduced by using another reinforced plastic material or the impact resistance is improved. You may.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an intraoral camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram of the intraoral camera according to the embodiment. In FIGS. 9 and 10, components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment of the present invention are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 51 denotes an image wireless transmission unit; and 52, a transmission antenna. The image wireless transmission unit 51 receives a video signal output from the moving image / still image generation circuit 32, converts the video signal into a weak UHF band radio wave signal, and transmits the signal to the space via the transmission antenna 52, thereby setting the image signal in the vicinity. It is possible to easily obtain an intra-oral image with the provided television receiver. The transmitting antenna 52 is housed in the housing grip portion 2 and does not bother the user. There is no problem that cleaning / cleaning of the video cable 7 is not possible or difficult.
The likelihood of failures, such as disconnections, is also dramatically reduced. Accidents such as a fall of a hand or foot on the video cable 7 are eliminated.

A white light emitting diode 19 serving as a light source is housed inside the front end portion 1 of the housing (at the front end), and has a configuration in which the light guide 20 of the first embodiment is omitted. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

Note that the type of the radio signal is not limited to this. The signal may be digitized to perform specific power-saving wireless communication or infrared communication by spread spectrum. The signal may be encrypted, such as by scrambling it, to keep the image confidential. Further, a function may be provided for providing a multi-channel so as not to cause interference when a plurality of units are used at close positions, or for automatically switching a line according to the radio wave propagation state at the installation location.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a wide-angle compatible cover made of acrylic resin for imaging the entire oral cavity. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 11, a sectional view of the wide-angle compatible cover is combined with a side view of the intra-oral camera in order to clarify the state of attachment of the wide-angle compatible cover 53 to the intraoral camera. The wide-angle cover 53 is
It comprises a resin-made concave lens 54 and a plastic mounting portion cover 55, both of which are ultrasonically fused to form a waterproof structure. By attaching the wide-angle-capable cover 53 to the front end portion 1 of the housing, wide-angle support for easily photographing the entire teeth can be performed.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 12 is a side view of an intraoral camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a front end portion of the housing according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the housing grip portion 2 can be replaced with a housing end portion 56 having a thinner shape while having the same shape as in the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, 57 is a front lens, 11 is a prism, 14 is an aperture, 6
0 is a rear lens. Further behind it is an optical filter 15 and a solid-state imaging device 16, which are attached to the lens barrel 61 together with the aperture 14 and the rear lens 60. On the other hand, light emitted from the white light emitting diode 19 as a light source is radiated through a light guide 62 made of an optical fiber having a diameter of about 2 mm and having flexibility. In the above configuration, since the flexible light guide 62 is used, the shape of the distal end can be reduced. In other words, by simply replacing the optical system at the tip of the intraoral camera body, it can be easily expanded to other uses such as for otolaryngology and dermatology. In addition, a transparent cap 65 is provided at the tip (for convenience of explanation, hatching is omitted).

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 14 is a side view of an intraoral camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a front end portion of the housing according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, the housing grip portion 2 can be replaced with a thinner housing end portion 63 while having the same shape as in the first embodiment. The difference from the fourth embodiment is that
The elimination of the prism 11 makes it possible to observe the front imaging target viewed from the solid-state imaging device 16. Thereby, the transmission efficiency is good and the size is reduced. It can be easily expanded to other uses such as otolaryngology and dermatology. In addition,
A transparent cap 66 is provided at the tip (for convenience of explanation, hatching is omitted).

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a light guide and a light source provided at a distal end portion of an intraoral camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 19 is a white light emitting diode as a light source, and 20 is a light guide. The light guide 20 is formed by solid molding and includes an incident portion 71, a transmitting portion 72, a reflecting portion 73, and an emitting portion 74. The light guide 20 is a solid made of a transparent resin such as glass or acrylic. The number of the white light emitting diode elements 19 is a necessary light quantity, a current capacity of a power supply circuit of the white light emitting diode element 19 as a light source,
Alternatively, it is determined by the margin of the place to be arranged in the intraoral camera, or the like.

The entire surface of the light guide 20 is mirror-finished. In the present embodiment, the incident portion 71 is a portion that extends toward the light source (white light emitting diode element 19) of the light guide 20 in FIG. The transmission section 72 is a flat plate-shaped portion at the center of the light guide 20. The reflecting portion 73 is a slope at the end opposite to the light source (white light emitting diode element 19) and has a 45 ° inclination with respect to the bottom surface of the light guide 20. The light emitting section 74 is a portion of the bottom surface of the light guide 20 on the subject side. The positional relationship between the white light emitting diode element 19 and the light guide 20 is basically based on the center line of the white light emitting diode element 19 and the transmitting portion 72.
Match the center lines of. Further, it is preferable to arrange the light emitting diode element 19 close to the incident surface of the incident part 71 until the tip of the white light emitting diode element 19 comes into contact therewith. The width of the transmission section 72 is determined by the allowable outer diameter of the intraoral camera. Although not shown, the housing is provided in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 20,
The front end of the housing is arranged in front of the reflection surface 73 of the light guide 20.

Next, FIGS. 17 (a) and (b) and FIG. 18 (a)
The transmission of light in the light guide 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17A is an explanatory view from the first upper surface of light transmission in the light guide used in the intraoral camera according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17B is an explanatory view from the same side surface. FIG. 18A is an explanatory view from the second upper surface, and FIG. 18B is an explanatory view from the same side surface. In the drawing, broken lines 79a and 79b in the light guide are representative light paths. First, a component of light incident on the light guide 20 in the thickness direction will be described. FIG.
(A) In the light incident from the white light emitting diode element 19 in FIG.
The light that spreads out more than the width is reflected by the side surface of the incident portion 71 several times and reaches the transmitting portion 72. At this time, the angle at which the light beam reflected by the side surface of the incident portion 71 enters the side surface of the incident portion 71 increases, and the angle exceeds the critical angle θ _r determined by the refractive index of the air and the resin constituting the light guide 20. Then, the light beam is refracted and goes out of the incident portion 71.

Therefore, the incident portion 71 sets θ _max to the angle of the light that is to be guided to the transmitting portion 72 and which is incident on the incident surface of the incident portion 71 at the largest angle, and the light is transmitted to the incident portion 71. Is reflected n times to reach the transmission unit 72, the spread angle θ _wide of the incidence unit 71 is

[0105]

(Equation 1) We must look at the conditional expression If the spread angle of the incident portion 71 is set so as to satisfy this condition, the light guide efficiency of the light guide can be increased. In the transmitting section 72, light reflected on the side surface at a critical angle or less has a reflection efficiency of 1 theoretically.
Since light continues to be reflected at 00%, light incident on the side surface at a critical angle or less is attenuated only by the transmittance of the light guide 20. On the inclined surface of the reflecting portion 73 having an inclination of 45 °, of the light incident on the surface, those having an incident angle smaller than the critical angle are reflected downward, and those having the incident angle larger than the critical angle are refracted forward and exit.

Of the light reaching the reflecting portion 73, those incident on the reflecting surface at a critical angle or less are totally reflected and emitted downward from the emitting portion 74, and those incident on the reflecting surface at the critical angle or more are refracted and written. The light is emitted forward of the guide 20.

Next, the component of the light incident on the light guide 20 in the direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction (downward in FIG. 18B) will be described. In FIGS. 18A and 18B, the light guide 20 has a side surface parallel to the light incident portion 71 in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction. The reflection is repeated at 100% and guided to the reflection section 73. In the reflection unit 73, of the light that has reached the reflection surface at a critical angle or less, the light is totally reflected and emitted downward from the emission unit 74. Outgoing to

The use of the integrally formed light guide 20 simplifies the structure.

Further, the imaging device housing and the light guide 20 may be arranged so as not to be parallel to each other,
It may be other than 5 °.

A mirror-like film is formed on the reflection surface of the reflection section 73 by aluminum evaporation or the like. Thus, when the light transmitted through the light guide 20 is incident on the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion 73, the light is reflected by the mirror-like film even if the incident angle is wider than the critical angle. As a result, there is no light that is refracted and emitted in front of the light guide 20, and the efficiency of the light guide 20 increases. Here, the reason that the mirror-like film is formed only on the reflection surface of the reflection part 73 is that if the mirror-like film is formed on the transmission part 72, the light that has theoretically reflected at 100% at the critical angle is reflected by the mirror. In the case of a film having a shape of about 90%, it is about 90%.
In this case, reflection is repeated several tens of times between the side surfaces, so that the light is attenuated before the light is transmitted to the emission unit 74.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a light guide and a light source provided at a distal end portion of an intraoral camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the light guide 7 which is flat
6. Two vertically flat light guides 75 are arranged on both sides. The incident portion 71 and the transmitting portion 72 of the light guide 76 which is flat in the horizontal direction have a structure in which the vertical and horizontal portions of the light guide 76 which is flat in the vertical direction are interchanged, and the reflecting portion 73 has a horizontally long reflecting surface. The tip of the laterally flat light guide 76 starts from behind the prism 100 of the imaging unit. Here, as the light source, two white light emitting diode elements 19 are arranged behind each of the light guides 75 and 76. The illumination light emitted from the light guide 75 which is flat in the vertical direction has horizontal stripe-shaped illumination unevenness caused by a large number of reflections on the side surface of the transmitting portion, and is emitted from the light guide 20 which is flat in the horizontal direction. The illumination light has vertical striped illumination unevenness. Illumination unevenness can be eliminated by superposing these two types of vertical and horizontal stripes of illumination light. This allows the intraoral camera to capture clear images without uneven illumination.

It should be noted that light that does not enter the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion 73 of the horizontally flat light guide 76 at a critical angle but is emitted in front of the horizontally flat light guide 76 is also in a place where the subject is close. Sometimes, the subject can be illuminated as illumination light.

FIGS. 20 (a), (b), (c), and (d) show a light guide in which vertical and horizontal light guides are integrated. Even when such a light guide 101 is used, stripes of illumination light can be obtained. The pattern can be erased to prevent unevenness in the lighting. This allows the intraoral camera to capture clear images without uneven illumination and further simplifies the configuration of the intraoral camera.

FIG. 21 shows the structure of the light guide.
There are also configurations such as (a), (b) and (c).

The angle between the light guides 20 arranged so as to surround the imaging section 78 is 5 °.
When the angle is set to about 90 °, the illumination light emitted from each light guide 20 overlaps, and a clear image without uneven illumination can be taken.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIGS. 22A to 22D are views showing a transparent resin at the distal end of an intraoral camera according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The transparent resin cover 81 has a transparent portion 8
The surface other than the surface 2 is a light diffusion portion 83 having an uneven shape. The transparent resin cover 81 covers the light source and the imaging unit described in the other embodiments, and the distal end of the imaging device formed of a solid integrated light guide. The transparent section 82 is located at a position corresponding to the prism 100, and the light diffusing section 83 is located at least at a position (near the exit section) corresponding to the exit section of the light guide. The transparent portion 82 is a portion immediately below the prism 100 and is transparent so that the captured image is not distorted due to unevenness. In addition, the shape of the unevenness of the light diffusing portion 83 of the transparent resin cover 81 may be a cloudy glass shape, a textured shape, or a diffraction grating pattern. By covering the light source, the imaging unit, and the distal end of the image pickup device formed of a solid integrated light guide with the transparent resin cover 81 in which the light diffusion unit 83 is present, the striped illumination light emitted from the light guide is covered by the transparent resin cover. The light is diffused by the light diffusion portion 83 on the surface to make uniform illumination light. This allows the intraoral camera to capture clear images without uneven illumination. In addition, light that is refracted and emitted from the reflecting portion (for example, 73) of the light guide or light that is leaked due to being incident at a critical angle or more on the surface of the incident portion (for example, 71) or the transmitting portion (for example, 72) is diffused and diffused. Can be illuminated. As a result, it is possible to illuminate not a part of the imaged subject but a wider area.

Even if only the transparent portion 82 of the transparent resin cover 81 and the light diffusing portion 83 near the transparent portion 82 are incorporated in the housing of the intraoral camera, uniform illumination light can be obtained. This allows the intraoral camera to capture clear images without uneven illumination.

(Embodiment 9) FIGS. 23A to 23C are views for explaining the positional relationship between a light guide and a light source of an intraoral camera and the transmission of light according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. is there. As shown in FIG. 23, the position of the light source 9 is shifted from the center of the transmitting portion 72 of the light guide 20. In addition,
A polygonal line 79 in the light guide 20 is an optical path of light having the highest light intensity. Here, the white light emitting diode element 19 is used as a directional light source, but a light bulb with a lens at the tip may be used. The light having the highest light intensity of the white light emitting diode element 19 is the white light emitting diode element 19.
Out of the center. Fig. 2
As shown in FIG. 3, the light enters the side surface of the incident portion 71 of the light guide 20, is reflected, and is reflected on the transmitting portion 72 at an angle not exceeding a critical angle determined by the air and the material of the light guide 20. The light source 19 is arranged so as to be emitted obliquely downward from the part 74.

By using the above positional relationship instead of the vertically flat light guide 75 shown in FIG. 19, it is possible to efficiently move the light guide 75 below the imaging window (corresponding to the transparent portion 83) of the intraoral camera. Can be illuminated. In addition, it is possible to prevent the illumination light from being split into two parts at the time of close-up shooting, and the center of the shot image from becoming dark. Furthermore, of the light emitted from the light guide 20, the amount of light hitting the subject is increased, so that the efficiency of illumination is increased, the captured image becomes clearer, or the power supplied to the light source can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 10) FIGS. 24 (a) to 24 (c)
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a light guide and a light source of an intraoral camera and transmission of light according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the broken line 79d in the light guide 20 is
This is the optical path of the light with the highest light intensity. As shown in FIG. 24, the position of the directional light source is shifted as shown in FIG.
About 1 ° from the center line of the transmission section 72 of the light guide 20
Arrange at an angle of about 5 °. The incident portion 71 of the light guide 20 has a light incident surface perpendicular to the center line of the white light emitting diode element 19, and the divergence angle of the incident portion 71 is spread around the center line of the white light emitting diode element 19, The one side surface coincides with the side surface of the transmission section 72. The light having the highest light intensity of the white light emitting diode element 19 emerges from the center of the white light emitting diode element 19. The light beam coming out of the center enters the side surface of the incident portion 71 of the light guide 20 as shown in FIG.
The light is reflected to the transmitting portion 72 at an angle not exceeding a critical angle determined by the air and the material of the light guide 20, and is emitted from the emitting portion 74 to the subject side obliquely downward.

As described above, the length of the light guide 20 and the arrangement of the white light emitting diode elements 19 are determined.
Can be efficiently illuminated toward the subject below the imaging window of the intraoral camera. In particular, it is possible to prevent the illumination light from being divided into two parts at the time of close-up shooting and the center of the shot image becoming dark. Furthermore, since the number of reflections is reduced, the actual attenuation of light can be suppressed, and the amount of light that strikes the subject out of the light emitted from the light guide 20 increases, so that the illumination efficiency increases and the captured image becomes sharper. Alternatively, the power supplied to the light source can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 11) FIG. 25 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is explanatory drawing from the side of the front-end | tip part of the intraoral camera of one Embodiment. Here, the light guide on the near side as viewed in the drawing is omitted. The prism at the tip of the imaging unit (lens 85, imaging element 16) has a trapezoidal shape, and has a section of 4: 3. By reducing the prism 84 to a trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 25, the angle of view θ formed on the object side surface of the prism 84 is reduced, and the prism 84 is extended toward the combination lens 85 to reduce refraction on the side surface of the combination lens 85. Combined lens 85 and prism 8 close to the lens side
4 is reduced. Thus, the distance between the combination lens 85 and the subject can be increased while suppressing the angle of view. Further, since the subject distance is long, the subject depth is deep. Further, since it is not necessary to reduce the aperture diameter of the combination lens 85, a strong light source such as a halogen lamp is not required. Therefore, a light source can be built in and the intraoral camera can be miniaturized.

Although the above embodiments have been described using an intraoral camera, it goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to an imaging device other than the intraoral camera.

As described above, each embodiment of the present invention has the following effects. (1) Since all the components of the intraoral camera are built into the camera housing (housing end portions 1, 56, 63, housing grip portion 2), the camera can be easily carried, and handling is greatly improved. To improve.

(2) Since the object to be imaged is illuminated by the white light emitting diode 19, the efficiency can be improved while suppressing the heat generation and the power consumption. Further, even if the light source (white light-emitting diode 19) is directly arranged on the front end portion 1 of the housing, there is no danger of causing a burn. In addition, the directivity of the white light emitting diode 19 eliminates the need for a reflector, and is small and inexpensive. Further, the trouble of replacing the light source is eliminated, and the light source is not damaged by dropping.

(3) The front end portions 1, 56, 63 of the housing can be made thinner by the light guides 20, 62, 64, and the back teeth can be easily observed.

(4) Since the power supply unit is formed of a battery (such as the lithium ion secondary battery 22), there is no need to supply a power cord from the intraoral camera to the outside, and there is no danger or failure due to power short-circuit, disconnection, leakage, or the like.

(5) Lithium ion secondary battery 22 that can be charged simply by being installed in non-contact charger 9 provided outside
The need for battery replacement is eliminated. Since the battery electrode is not exposed to the outside of the intraoral camera, the possibility of failure of the internal circuit due to corrosion of the battery electrode or electrostatic noise is drastically reduced, and the life is extended. In addition, both the intraoral camera and the non-contact charger 9 can easily have a waterproof structure.
Can be washed in water.

(6) By providing the image radio transmission unit 51 and the transmission antenna 52, complete wireless communication is achieved, so that the trouble of the video cable is eliminated. There is no problem that the video cable cannot be cleaned or cleaned, and the possibility of failure such as short-circuit or disconnection of the video cable is drastically reduced. In addition, accidents such as getting a hand or foot caught on the video cable are eliminated.

(7) A waterproof structure can be obtained at a low cost by using a resin housing. (8) With a small number of components, the dimensional variations at the time of mounting can be suppressed small by the optical system components arranged near the front end portions 1, 56, 63 of the housing. Also, the number of parts is reduced, which is advantageous in terms of parts management and cost. In addition, the shock resistance when dropped from the front end portions 1, 56, 63 of the housing is improved.

(9) Since the position of the center of gravity of the intraoral camera is almost in the vicinity of the housing grip 2, the tire is hardly tired even if it is held for a long time.

(10) By attaching the wide-angle cover 53 while keeping the intraoral camera itself waterproof, it is possible to cope with a wide-angle image of the entire tooth.

(11) Plural Housing Ends 1, 56, 63
By selecting one of them, the shape, viewing angle, focal length and the like of the front end of the housing can be changed, and can be easily diverted to other uses.

(12) The transmitting section 72 is formed by the reflecting section 73.
And the direction of the light emitted from the emission section 74 can be changed.

(13) The axial direction of the housing and the direction of the light emitted from the emission section 74 can be changed by the reflection section 73.

(14) The reflecting section 72 is made into a reflecting mirror to increase the reflection efficiency at the reflecting section 72.
The light guide efficiency of 0 increases, and the brightness of the illumination light increases. Thereby, a brighter image can be obtained.

(15) A plurality of non-parallel light guides 7
With the provision of 5, 76, illumination without illumination unevenness can be achieved. Thereby, a clear image without uneven lighting can be obtained.

(16) By providing a non-parallel light guide 76 between two parallel light guides 75,
Lighting without uneven lighting can be achieved. Thereby, a clear image without uneven lighting can be obtained.

(17) A plurality of non-parallel light guides 7
By integrally molding 5, 76, the number of parts can be reduced.

(18) By inclining the light emitted from the emission section 74 to the side with the imaging window, the subject can be efficiently illuminated and illumination unevenness during close-up shooting can be eliminated.
As a result, a clear image without uneven illumination can be obtained even during close-up shooting.

(19) By arranging the light source 19 at an angle in the thickness direction of the light guide 20, the light emitted from the emission section 74 is inclined toward the side where the imaging window is located, thereby selectively illuminating the subject. Illumination unevenness during close-up shooting can be eliminated.

(20) The light guide entrance portion 71 has a plate-like inclined surface in the direction of increasing the thickness, so that the light guide entrance surface can be made wider and the light guide efficiency of the light guide can be increased. Can be.

(21) The light source is arranged such that the optical axis of the strongest light from the light source intersects with the inclined surface of the incident part 71, is reflected by the inclined surface, and is emitted with the inclination to the imaging window side. This makes it possible to efficiently illuminate the subject and eliminate uneven illumination during close-up shooting.

(22) A light diffusing portion 83 is provided near the light emitting portion 74 of the light guide 20, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the light guide 20 can be diffused to reduce illumination unevenness.

(23) The light guide 20 is provided with a light diffusing portion 83 formed by either graining or unevenness near the light emitting portion 74 of the light guide 20 to illuminate the light guide 20 by diffusing the light emitted from the light emitting portion 74. Unevenness can be eliminated.

(24) By providing the transparent portion 82 covering the imaging window for taking in the light from the subject and the light diffusing portion 83 near the transparent portion 82, the light emitted from the emission portion of the light guide 20 is provided. Can be diffused to eliminate uneven lighting.

(25) A cover 81 having a transparent portion 82 for covering an imaging window for taking in light from a subject and a light diffusing portion 83 near the transparent portion 82 is put on the front end of the image pickup device, so that Light emitted from the emission part of the guide can be diffused to eliminate illumination unevenness.

(26) Two light guides 75 provided in parallel so as to surround the prism 100 and the image pickup section 77
By providing the non-parallel light guide 76 between them, it is possible to perform illumination without uneven illumination. Further, the light from the subject can be reflected by the prism 100 disposed between the two light guides 75 provided in parallel, and an image without illumination unevenness can be captured by the imaging unit.

(27) By using a trapezoidal prism 84 extended toward the lens 85 as the prism, the depth of the subject can be obtained without stopping down the aperture of the lens 85. Therefore, a strong light source is not required, and the imaging device can be significantly reduced in size.

(28) The light source is a white light emitting diode element 1.
9 or a light-emitting object such as a light bulb with a lens at the tip increases the efficiency of incidence on the light guide 20, so that the light emitted from the emission section 74 becomes brighter.
Thereby, a brighter image can be obtained.

[0151]

As is clear from the above description, in the first imaging apparatus of the present invention, all the components (at least the imaging section, the signal processing section, the light source, and the power supply section) of the imaging apparatus are built in the housing. It can be easily carried. Also,
Since a cable composed of an optical fiber and a multi-core signal line is unnecessary or extremely lightweight, the handling is dramatically improved.

Further, in the second imaging apparatus of the present invention, the light source directly irradiates the object to be imaged with the white light emitting diode element without using the optical fiber, so that the efficiency can be improved while suppressing the heat generation and the power consumption. I can do it.

In the third imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light from the light source disposed at a portion other than the front end portion of the housing is thinned by the light guide and the object to be imaged is irradiated from the front end portion of the housing. The tip of the body can be made thinner, making it easier to observe the back teeth. Further, since the light source is built into the housing, a stationary metal case and an optical fiber are not required, so that the light source can be configured at a low cost and the installation location is not restricted.

In the fourth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the power supply section is composed of a battery, so that it can be easily carried. In addition, since it is not necessary to supply a power cord from the housing to the outside, dangers and failures due to power short-circuit, disconnection, leakage, and the like are eliminated. Furthermore, if a load with low power consumption such as a white light emitting diode element is used as the light source, the load can be used continuously for a long time, which is practically inferior to the conventional imaging apparatus.

Further, the fifth image pickup apparatus of the present invention has a storage battery of a power supply unit and a secondary coil for non-contact charging provided in a charging circuit, in addition to the effects of the fourth image pickup apparatus of the present invention, to the outside. Since the battery can be charged simply by being installed in the provided non-contact charger, it is not necessary to frequently replace the battery. Also, if the contactless charger is configured to be used as a stand for the imaging device, and the imaging device is automatically charged by leaning on the contactless charger when not in use, the user can frequently use the battery. There is no need to replace them. Further, since the battery electrode is not exposed to the outside of the housing, the possibility of failure of the internal circuit due to corrosion of the battery electrode or electrostatic noise is drastically reduced, and the life is extended. Further, both the housing and the non-contact charger can be easily made to have a waterproof structure, and are suitable for business use such as a dental clinic due to their ease of handling such as being washable with water.

Further, the sixth imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a wireless transmission section for wirelessly transmitting a video signal, so that the user is free from the trouble of a video cable that is attached to the imaging apparatus during intraoral imaging. In addition, there is no hygiene problem that the video cable cannot be cleaned or cleaned, and the possibility of failure such as short-circuit or disconnection of the video cable is drastically reduced. Furthermore, accidents such as dropping a connected device by catching a hand or foot on a video cable or disconnecting a connector portion and hitting a human body are eliminated.
Further, if the power supply unit is constituted by a battery (including a storage battery), complete wireless communication is achieved, which is more useful.

Further, in the seventh imaging apparatus of the present invention, the resin housing can be easily and inexpensively made to have a waterproof structure by ultrasonic fusion between the transparent section for illumination and imaging. Becomes

Further, in the eighth image pickup apparatus of the present invention, by using a resin-made aspherical lens, the number of lenses conventionally required about 4 to 6 can be reduced to 1 or 2. In addition, the dimensional variation during mounting can be reduced by the optical system components arranged near the front end of the housing with a small number of components. In addition, the number of optical components that dislike dust and dirt is reduced, which is advantageous in terms of component management and cost. Further, the shock resistance when dropped from the front end of the housing is also improved.

Further, since the ninth imaging device of the present invention has a configuration in which the position of the center of gravity is substantially in the vicinity of the grip portion of the housing, even if the user holds this imaging device for a long time, the user is hardly tired.

In the tenth imaging device of the present invention, the viewing angle or the focal length is changed by attaching a cover with a lens to the front end of the housing, so that the imaging device itself can be easily waterproofed. By attaching a lens cover to the camera, it is possible to widen the angle of the entire tooth.

In the eleventh imaging apparatus according to the present invention, one of a plurality of housing tips having different shapes is selected and mounted on the housing grip, thereby obtaining the shape of the body tip and the viewing angle. The focal length and the like can be changed, and can be easily applied to other uses (for example, adaptation to subjects other than the oral cavity such as the ear canal, scalp, and pupil).

The structure of the twelfth imaging device of the present invention is simplified by using a light guide formed integrally.

In a thirteenth imaging device according to the present invention, the transmitting portion of the light guide transmits light in the axial direction of the housing, and the emitting portion transmits light in a direction different from the axial direction of the housing. Since the light is emitted, light can be emitted in a direction different from the axial direction of the housing, and the size of the housing can be reduced.

Further, in the fourteenth imaging device of the present invention, by making the reflecting portion like a reflecting mirror, the reflection efficiency at the reflecting portion can be increased, the light guide efficiency of the light guide is increased, and the illumination light is increased. Brightness can be increased.

In the fifteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, any two light guides among the plurality of light guides are provided not parallel to each other, so that the illumination unevenness generated in the illumination light from each light guide is superimposed. By doing so, uneven lighting can be eliminated, and lighting without uneven lighting can be achieved.

In the sixteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, illumination unevenness generated by illumination light of two light guides provided in parallel and illumination generated by a light guide not parallel to the two light guides provided therebetween. By overlapping the unevenness, it is possible to achieve illumination without unevenness in illumination.

In the seventeenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the number of components can be reduced by integrating a plurality of light guides as compared with a case where a plurality of light guide paths are used.

Also, in the eighteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light emitted from the emission part of the light guide is emitted while being inclined to the side where the imaging window is located, so that the subject in front of the imaging window can be efficiently used. Lighting can be performed well, and it is particularly useful for eliminating uneven lighting during close-up photography.

In a nineteenth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the light guide is a plate-like body provided substantially perpendicular to the imaging window, and the light source is inclined in the thickness direction of the light guide of the plate-like body. The light emitted from the emission portion of the light guide is emitted while being inclined to the side with the imaging window, and can efficiently illuminate the subject in front of the imaging window, It is particularly useful for eliminating uneven lighting during close-up photography.

Further, in the twentieth image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the light guide entrance portion is provided with the inclined surface in the direction of increasing the plate-like thickness, so that the light guide entrance surface can be made wider and the light guide can be made wider. Light guiding efficiency can be increased.

Also, in the twenty-first imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the optical axis of the strongest light from the light source intersects with the inclined surface in the direction of increasing the thickness of the plate-like body, and the strongest light from the light source is Since the light is reflected by the surface and emitted while being inclined to the side with the imaging window, the subject in front of the imaging window can be efficiently illuminated, and is particularly useful for eliminating illumination unevenness during close-up shooting.

The twenty-second imaging apparatus according to the present invention has a diffusing portion near the light emitting portion of the light guide, and diffuses the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the light guide to eliminate illumination unevenness. Can be.

A twenty-third imaging apparatus according to the present invention has a light diffusion portion formed by either graining or unevenness in the vicinity of an emission portion of a light guide. The emitted light can be diffused to eliminate uneven illumination.

A twenty-fourth imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing accommodating at least a light guide,
The housing includes a transparent part that covers an imaging window that receives light from a subject, and a light diffusion part that is located near the transparent part, and diffuses light emitted from an emission part of the light guide. As a result, uneven illumination can be eliminated, and a clear image of the subject can be taken in from the imaging window.

A twenty-fifth imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing for accommodating at least a light guide,
An imaging window for taking in light from a subject in the housing,
A cover provided with a transparent portion located at a position corresponding to the imaging window and a light diffusion portion located near the transparent portion is attached to the housing, and the same effects as those of the twenty-fourth imaging device are provided. , And the cover can be easily attached and detached, so that handling during cleaning and the like becomes easy.

The twenty-sixth imaging apparatus according to the present invention provides illumination unevenness caused by illumination light of two light guides provided in parallel, and illumination unevenness caused by a light guide not parallel to the two light guides provided therebetween. Can be illuminated without illumination unevenness, and since the prism is arranged between the two light guides provided in parallel, light is emitted from the two light guides provided in parallel. The light irradiates the subject evenly, and the illumination unevenness can be further prevented.

In a twenty-seventh imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the prism has a trapezoidal cross section, and one of the slopes of the trapezoid is perpendicular to the upper bottom and the lower bottom, and Is located on the lower bottom side, and by providing a distance between the reflection surface in the prism and the surface from which an image is emitted, the distance between the prism and the imaging unit is shortened, and the angle of view of the imaging unit is suppressed. And the depth of the subject can be obtained.

In the twenty-eighth imaging apparatus according to the present invention, light emitted from a light source is directional light.
Since the efficiency of incidence on the light guide increases, the light emitted from the emission part becomes bright.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a front view of an intraoral camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.

FIG. 2 (a) is a front view showing a state of the intraoral camera when a charger is installed, and FIG. 2 (b) is a side view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the intraoral camera.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a light guide used in the intraoral camera.

FIG. 5 is an overall view when the user holds the intraoral camera.

FIG. 6 is an overall block diagram of the intraoral camera.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of non-contact charging of the intraoral camera.

FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram of a power control unit of the intraoral camera.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an intraoral camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an overall block diagram of the intraoral camera.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a wide-angle-capable cover used in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an intraoral camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a front end portion of the housing of the intraoral camera.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an intraoral camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the front end of the housing of the intraoral camera.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a light guide and a light source provided at a distal end portion of an intraoral camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 (a) is a diagram illustrating transmission of light in a light guide used in an intraoral camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention from a first top view, and FIG. 17 (b) is a diagram illustrating the transmission from the same side.

FIG. 18A is an explanatory view from the second upper surface, and FIG. 18B is an explanatory view from the same side surface.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a light guide and a light source provided at a distal end portion of an intraoral camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 (a) is a top view showing an integrated light guide disposed at the distal end portion of the intraoral camera according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a side view thereof, and (c) is a side view thereof. Front view

FIG. 21 (a) is a top view showing another light guide disposed at the distal end portion of the intraoral camera according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a side view thereof, and (c) is a front view thereof.

FIG. 22 (a) is a top view showing a transparent resin cover at the distal end portion of the intraoral camera according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a side view thereof, (c) is a bottom view thereof, and (d) is a bottom view thereof. Front view

23A is a top view illustrating the positional relationship between a light guide and a light source of an intraoral camera and light transmission according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23B is a side view of FIG. Front view

24A is a top view illustrating the positional relationship between a light guide and a light source of an intraoral camera and light transmission according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24B is a side view of FIG. Front view

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view from the side of the distal end portion of the intraoral camera according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 56, 63 Front-end | tip part of a housing | casing 2 Handhold part of a housing | casing 8 Illumination / imaging window 9 Non-contact charger 12, 13 Resin aspherical lens 16 CCD solid-state image sensor 18 Camera circuit board 19 White light emitting diode 20, 62, 64 , 75, 76, 101 Light guide 21 Power supply board 22 Lithium ion secondary battery 28 Camera circuit 30 Power control means 31 Non-contact charging means 34 Non-contact charging secondary coil 51 Image wireless transmission unit 52 Transmission antenna 53 Wide angle compatible cover 54 concave lens 55 plastic mounting cover 57 front lens 60 rear lens 71 incident part 72 transmitting part 73 reflecting part 74 emitting part 77 imaging part 79a-d optical path 81 transparent resin cover 82 transparent part 83 light diffusing part 84, 100 prism 85 Combination lens

Claims (28)

[Claims] An imaging unit including a lens and an imaging element;
A signal processing unit that converts an output from the imaging unit into a video signal, a light source that irradiates an imaging target, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the imaging unit, the signal processing unit, and the light source,
An imaging apparatus in which all of the imaging unit, the signal processing unit, the light source, and the power supply unit are built in a housing. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a white light emitting diode element, and the light source is disposed near a front end of the housing to directly irradiate an object to be imaged. 3. A light source comprising a plurality of white light emitting diode elements, wherein the light source is disposed at a position other than the front end of the housing, and the light emitted from the light source is applied to the front end of the housing by a light guide made of a transparent resin material. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is configured to guide the following. 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit includes a battery. 5. The power supply unit includes a storage battery and a charging circuit for charging the storage battery, and the charging circuit includes a non-contact charging secondary coil that receives power from a non-contact charger provided outside. The imaging device according to claim 1. 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits a video signal output from the imaging unit, wherein the wireless transmission unit is housed in a housing. 7. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the housing is made of resin, and a front end of the housing has a transparent portion, and the housing and the transparent portion have a waterproof structure. Imaging device. 8. The lens comprises a resinous aspheric lens,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the imaging unit is disposed near a front end of the housing. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the center of gravity is substantially in the vicinity of a grip portion of the housing. 10. A cover with a detachable lens is provided,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a viewing angle or a focal length is converted by attaching the cover with a lens to a front end portion of a housing. 11. The housing includes a housing grip portion and a housing front end that are detachable from each other, and includes a plurality of housing front ends having different shapes as the housing front end. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein one of the sections is selected and attached to the grip section of the housing to adapt to a subject other than the oral cavity, such as an ear canal, a scalp, or a pupil. 12. A light source for irradiating light, a light guide for guiding light from the light source to a subject, and an imaging unit on which an image of the subject is formed, wherein the light guide includes light from the light source. And a transmitting part following the incident part, and an emitting part for emitting the light are integrally formed, and the emitting part is emitted from the axial direction of the transmitting part and the emitting part. An imaging device comprising a reflection unit that changes the direction of the light. 13. A housing for accommodating at least a light guide, wherein a transmitting portion of the light guide transmits light in an axial direction of the housing, and an emitting portion is provided in a direction different from the axial direction of the housing. The imaging device according to claim 12, which emits light. 14. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the reflection section has a reflection mirror shape. 15. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the light guide is a plate-like body, includes a plurality of the light guides, and includes at least two of the plurality of light guides that are not parallel to each other. 16. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein two light guides are provided in parallel, and a light guide that is not parallel to the two light guides is provided between the two light guides.
5. The imaging device according to 5. 17. The imaging device according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of light guides are integrated. 18. A light-emitting device comprising: a housing for accommodating at least a light guide; and an imaging window for receiving light from a subject in the housing. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the light is emitted while being inclined. 19. The imaging apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the light guide is a plate-like body provided substantially perpendicular to the imaging window, and the light source is provided to be inclined in a thickness direction of the light guide of the plate-like body. . 20. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the incident portion of the light guide has an inclined surface in a direction to increase the thickness of the plate-like body. 21. A light guide is a plate-like body provided substantially perpendicular to an imaging window, and an incident portion of the light guide has an inclined surface in a direction of increasing a thickness of the plate-like body.
19. The imaging device according to claim 18, wherein the light source is arranged such that an optical axis of the strongest light from the light source intersects the inclined surface. 22. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a light diffusing portion near the light emitting portion of the light guide. 23. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the light diffusing portion is formed by either graining or uneven processing. 24. A housing for accommodating at least a light guide, wherein the housing includes a transparent portion for covering an imaging window for taking in light from a subject, and a light diffusing portion near the transparent portion. The imaging device according to claim 22. 25. A housing for accommodating at least a light guide, an imaging window for taking in light from a subject in the housing, and a transparent portion at a position corresponding to the imaging window and a vicinity of the transparent portion. 24. The imaging device according to claim 22, wherein a cover having an existing light diffusion unit is attached to the housing. 26. A light guide comprising two plate-like bodies provided parallel to each other, and a light guide which is not parallel to the two light guides parallel to each other is provided between the two light guides parallel to each other, and The light-emitting portion is disposed so as to be closer to the light-entering portion than the light-emitting portions of the two light guides parallel to each other. 13. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image pickup device is disposed in front of an emission portion of the light guide existing between the two light guides. 27. A light-emitting device comprising: a housing accommodating at least a light guide; an imaging window for receiving light from a subject in the housing; and a prism provided between the imaging window and the light guide; 27. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the prism has a trapezoidal cross section, and one oblique side of the trapezoid is perpendicular to an upper bottom and a lower bottom, and the imaging window is on the lower bottom side. apparatus. 28. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the light emitted from the light source is directional light.