Control device, dental treatment device, and control method

Abstract

To provide a dental treatment device that can reliably inform an operator of information without causing a patient to feel anxiety.SOLUTION: A dental treatment device comprises a foot controller for operating at least a dental treatment instrument. The foot controller comprises a vibrating part for transmitting vibration to a foot of an operator. The dental treatment device receives predetermined information, detects a predetermined event on the basis of the predetermined information, and vibrates the vibrating part on the basis of the detection of the predetermined event.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a dental treatment device, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In dental treatment, there are cases where the operator focuses on the treatment inside the oral cavity and may not notice even if the patient raises a hand due to discomfort such as pain. In particular, when performing precise treatments such as root canal treatment while the operator observes the teeth with a microscope using the treatment table with a microscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-052718 (Patent Document 1), it has been difficult to notify the operator, who is concentrating on the treatment, that the patient is uncomfortable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In addition to information that the patient is feeling uncomfortable, means for notifying the operator of information such as warnings and abnormalities from the dental treatment device without interfering with the treatment are desired. Furthermore, means for reliably notifying the operator who is concentrating on the treatment while not further disturbing the patient by notifying the information are desired.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control device, a dental treatment device, and a control method capable of reliably notifying the operator of information without disturbing the patient.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control device of this disclosure is a control device for controlling a foot controller for operating a dental treatment instrument, the foot controller having a vibrating part that transmits vibrations to the foot of the operator, an input part into which predetermined information relating to treatment is input, a control unit that detects a predetermined event based on the predetermined information and generates control data for vibrating the vibrating part based on the detected predetermined event, and an output unit that outputs the control unit to the foot controller.

[0007] The dental treatment device of this disclosure comprises the foot controller described above and the control device described above.

[0008] The control method disclosed herein is a control method for a control device that controls a vibrating part of a foot controller for operating a dental treatment instrument, comprising the steps of: receiving predetermined information relating to treatment; detecting a predetermined event based on the predetermined information; generating control data for vibrating the vibrating part based on the predetermined event; and outputting the control data to the foot controller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the foot controller on which the operator's feet are placed vibrates based on predetermined information, so that information can be reliably communicated to the operator without causing anxiety to the patient. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of the control device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the foot controller. [Figure 5]This is a perspective view that schematically shows the configuration of part of the foot controller's main unit and pedals. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the dental treatment device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a functional block diagram of the control device in Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the dental treatment device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the dental treatment device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the screen displayed on the monitor in the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) First, the configuration of the dental treatment device in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described. Embodiment 1 describes a dental treatment device in the form of a chair unit that can be used in dentistry as an example of a treatment device. However, the dental treatment device according to this disclosure can be applied not only to dentistry but also to all medical fields such as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, radiology, and veterinary medicine. Furthermore, the dental treatment device according to this disclosure is not limited to the form of a chair unit, even if it is for dental use, but may be any treatment device controlled by a foot controller, such as a portable dental unit for home visits, or various forms that can be driven independently, such as an intraoral camera, scaler, or root canal treatment motor. Treatment includes diagnosis and treatment.

[0013] For dentists, it is desirable to minimize causing discomfort to patients during treatment. When a patient feels discomfort during treatment, raising a hand can be cited as a means to convey this to the operator. However, an operator who is concentrating on treatment inside the oral cavity may not notice when the patient raises a hand.

[0014] Also, it is possible to convey to the operator by voice that the patient feels discomfort, but if a sound is emitted during treatment, there is a risk that the patient may feel unnecessary anxiety. Therefore, there is a need for a means to notify the operator of not only information that the patient is feeling discomfort but also information such as warnings and abnormalities from the dental treatment device without interfering with the treatment and without making the patient anxious.

[0015] Therefore, the dental treatment device according to Embodiment 1 includes a foot controller having a vibration unit, receives predetermined information, detects a predetermined event based on the received information, and vibrates the vibration unit based on detecting the event. Since the operator places their foot on the foot controller during treatment, they can recognize that a predetermined event has been detected due to the vibration of the vibration unit. Also, the vibration of the vibration unit is transmitted only to the operator who has placed their foot on the foot controller and is not transmitted to the patient, so the patient is not unnecessarily made anxious.

[0016] In Embodiment 1, the predetermined information is information transmitted by operating an operation button of the patient, and the predetermined event is an event indicating discomfort of the patient. However, as will be described later, the predetermined information and the predetermined event are not limited to the above example.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the dental treatment device 100 in Embodiment 1. Also, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device 100 in Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the dental treatment device 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a foot controller 5 and a chair unit 10 controlled by the foot controller 5.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the chair unit 10 consists of a treatment chair 1 on which the patient to be treated is placed, a basin unit 2, an instrument stand 3, dental instruments 4 (dental treatment instruments) (4a~4e), a monitor 6, a lighting device 7, an operation panel 8, an operation switch 8a, and a control device 9.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the examination table 1 on which the patient is placed comprises a seat 1c that is mounted so as to be able to be raised and lowered, a tiltable backrest 1b connected to the rear of the seat 1c, a tiltable headrest 1a connected to the upper end of the backrest 1b, and a footrest 1d that supports the patient's feet. The headrest 1a, backrest 1b, seat 1c, and footrest 1d are connected to a seat drive unit 11. The seat drive unit 11 drives the headrest 1a, backrest 1b, seat 1c, and footrest 1d.

[0020] For example, based on the control of the seat drive unit 11, the seat cushion 1c can be raised or lowered, thereby raising or lowering a patient seated on the examination table 1. Furthermore, based on the control of the seat drive unit 11, the headrest 1a, backrest cushion 1b, and footrest 1d can be moved vertically or horizontally relative to the seat cushion 1c, thereby allowing a patient seated on the examination table 1 to be placed in a sitting or supine position. Thus, the seat drive unit 11 has the function of raising, lowering, standing up, and tilting the examination table 1 by driving the headrest 1a, backrest cushion 1b, seat cushion 1c, and footrest 1d.

[0021] The basin unit 2 is mounted on the side of the dental chair 1 and includes a basin 2a with a drain, a cup stand 2b on which a cup is placed, and a water tap 2c for supplying water to the cup. The basin unit 2 is a stand for patients to rinse their mouths using water supplied to the cup from the water tap 2c. The basin unit 2 also includes a basin control unit 16, which controls the flow of water used in the dental treatment device 100 based on the control of the basin control unit 16.

[0022] The instrument stand 3 is a table that is rotatably attached to the treatment table 1 via an arm and has an instrument holder on the front side. The instrument holder is detachably fitted with medical instruments 4 (4a~4e), which consist of cutting tools such as air turbine handpieces and micromotor handpieces, scalers, three-way syringes, and vacuum syringes. Although not shown in the diagram, the medical instruments 4 are connected to a water supply source, an air supply source, and an air suction unit. The medical instruments 4 are driven by the operator operating the foot controller 5 or the control panel 8.

[0023] Furthermore, the medical instruments 4 are not limited to these, and may include an intraoral camera, a light curing lamp, a root canal length measuring device, and a root canal enlarger, or they may be non-moving instruments such as a mirror or syringe. In addition, medical instruments such as air turbine handpieces, micromotor handpieces, three-way syringes, and vacuum syringes may be placed on the instrument stand 3 as shown in Figure 1, on the backrest sheet 1b of the dental chair 1, or on the basin unit 2.

[0024] In Embodiment 1, five types of medical instruments 4a to 4e are used. Medical instruments 4a and 4b are high-speed handpieces (also called HS (HS1, HS2)) as shown in Figure 2, medical instruments 4c and 4d are low-speed handpieces (also called LS (LS1, LS2)), and medical instrument 4e is a scaler (also called SC).

[0025] Each dental instrument 4 is connected to a control device 9, as shown in Figure 2. The control device 9 drives each dental instrument 4 based on the operator's input received by the operating unit 12 of the foot controller 5. For example, based on the control of the control device 9, the cutting tools held in the heads of HS1 and HS2 rotate and can be used for dental treatment.

[0026] The foot controller 5 accepts operations to drive the dental chair 1 and to drive the dental instruments 4, etc., by foot operation by the operator or other person. Furthermore, as will be described later, the foot controller 5 can notify the operator by vibration of information such as when the patient feels discomfort such as pain and operates the operation switch 8a, and warnings or abnormalities from the dental treatment device 100 (for example, the chair unit 10). The information from the dental treatment device 100 may also include discomfort information obtained from the patient's vital sensors and the patient's facial images / videos.

[0027] The monitor 6 consists of an LCD display or the like, and displays a predetermined image based on the control of the control device 9. The monitor 6 may be mounted not only on the instrument stand 3, but also on a treatment stand pole, the wall of the room where the examination chair 1 is installed, or other locations. Furthermore, the number of monitors 6 is not limited to one.

[0028] The lighting device 7 is movably mounted on a pole or the like provided on the basin unit 2 via an arm. The basin unit 2 is equipped with a lighting control unit 17, which controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lighting device 7 based on the control of the lighting control unit 17. Thus, the lighting control unit 17 has the function of controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the lighting device 7 (also called the lighting control function).

[0029] The control panel 8 displays identifiable switches (image displays) that are operated by touch to activate each function. These image displays may include, for example, text images or icon images. When an operator, such as a surgeon, touches an image displayed on the control panel 8, the switch can be operated by touch. The control panel 8 is connected to the control device 9.

[0030] The control device 9 comprises an input / output (I / O) interface 13, an arithmetic unit 14, and a storage device 15. The control device 9 is connected to each part of the dental treatment device 100 and comprehensively controls the dental treatment device 100. Based on the foot operation of the foot controller 5 by the operator, the control device 9 changes the position of the headrest 1a, backrest seat 1b, and footrest 1d to control the height and posture of the treatment chair 1. Furthermore, the control device 9 can control the drive of treatment instruments 4 in addition to the treatment chair 1. In addition, the control device 9 controls the vibration of the vibration unit 5e of the foot controller 5 based on signals received from the operation switch 8a.

[0031] The I / O interface 13 receives signals transmitted from various parts of the dental treatment device 100 to the control device 9. The I / O interface 13 converts the sensor output into a digital signal and outputs the converted sensor output to the arithmetic unit 14. Furthermore, when the I / O interface 13 receives a command from the arithmetic unit 14 to drive various parts of the dental treatment device 100, it outputs a drive command to each part.

[0032] The arithmetic unit 14 comprehensively controls the entire dental treatment device 100 by executing the operation program stored in the storage device 15. The arithmetic unit 14 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0033] The storage device 15 stores programs and other data executed by the arithmetic unit 14. Furthermore, the storage device 15 serves as a workspace for the arithmetic unit 14 when executing programs, temporarily storing programs and data used during program execution. The storage device 15 can be, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0034] [Control device functions] The functions realized by the arithmetic unit 14 of the control device 9 executing a program stored in the storage device 15 will now be described. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the control device 9 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3, the panel control unit 141, the medical instrument drive unit 142, the monitor control unit 143, and the event detection unit 144 are realized by the arithmetic unit 14 executing a given program.

[0035] The panel control unit 141 displays only images corresponding to the functional units that can perform their functions on the operation panel 8. When it detects a touch operation of a switch corresponding to the displayed image, it outputs a control signal to the functional unit corresponding to the touched switch to activate its function.

[0036] Thus, the panel control unit 141 has the function of displaying an image on the operation panel 8 depending on whether or not the function can be performed, and also has the function of causing the function corresponding to the touched switch to be performed on the function unit. Alternatively, the panel control unit 141 may have the function of displaying an image on the operation panel 8 regardless of whether or not the function can be performed. That is, it may be configured to always display images of all functions that may be operated on the operation panel 8. In this specification, it is desirable that the switch for the image display does not react even if the operator touches the image display of a function that is in an environment where it cannot be operated.

[0037] The medical instrument drive unit 142 is realized by driving each medical instrument 4 based on the operator's input received by the operation unit 12 of the foot controller 5.

[0038] The monitor control unit 143 is realized by displaying predetermined images on the screen of the monitor 6. For example, based on the control of the monitor control unit 143, the monitor 6 can display images showing the medical instruments 4 being used, images showing the drive information of medical instruments 4 that have been selected by touching the switches on the operation panel 8, images showing the position of the tip of the cutting tool in the root canal, and images of the oral cavity taken by the intraoral camera.

[0039] The event detection unit 144 is realized by detecting a predetermined event based on predetermined information and vibrating the vibration unit 5e of the foot controller 5 based on the detected event. The predetermined information is information transmitted to the control device 9 when the patient feels discomfort such as pain and operates the operation switch 8a. The predetermined event is an event in which the patient feels discomfort (hereinafter referred to as a discomfort event).

[0040] The panel control unit 141, the medical device drive unit 142, the monitor control unit 143, and the event detection unit 144 may be implemented as one function of the arithmetic unit 14, or they may be composed of at least one semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor, at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one digital signal processor (DSP), at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or other circuits having arithmetic functions.

[0041] [Foot controller configuration] Next, the configuration of the foot controller 5 will be explained using diagrams. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the foot controller 5 in the embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the main body and the configuration of the pedal. The foot controller 5 comprises a main body 5a, a pedal 5b, switches 5c1 to 5c5, a rotating shaft 5d, and a vibrating part 5e.

[0042] The foot controller 5 is used to operate dental treatment equipment 100, such as the treatment chair 1 and dental instruments 4, by operating the pedal 5b and switches 5c1 to 5c5 supported on the main body 5a. By operating the pedal 5b, for example, it is possible to increase or decrease the rotation speed of the turbine of the air turbine handpiece, which is a dental instrument 4.

[0043] The pedal 5b is located in a part of the main body 5a. The switches 5c1 to 5c5 are located on the sides and top of the main body 5a. Inside the main body 5a, a bracket 5a4 is provided as shown in Figure 5(a), and this bracket 5a4 supports the pedal 5b, switches 5c1 to 5c5, etc.

[0044] The main body 5a includes a bottom portion 5a1 and a case 5a2 to cover the bracket 5a4. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 5a1 is made of a bottom plate. The bottom portion 5a1 constitutes the lower surface of the main body 5a. The case 5a2 is attached to the bottom portion 5a1. The case 5a2 constitutes the side and upper parts of the main body 5a. The bottom portion 5a1 has an overhang portion 5a3 that extends outward from the case 5a2. The bottom portion 5a1 and the overhang portion 5a3 may be separate or integrated, as long as they constitute the bottom surface of the foot controller 5.

[0045] The protruding portion 5a3 prevents the switches 5c1 to 5c4 from being unintentionally operated when the foot controller 5 accidentally comes into contact with the legs of the examination table 1 or a stool (not shown) on which the operator sits. While it is desirable for the protruding portion 5a3 to prevent accidental contact with switches 5c1 to 5c4 to be provided, it is not essential. A groove for anti-slip purposes is formed on the underside (installation surface) of the bottom portion 5a1. The groove formed on the bottom portion 5a1 is designed to reduce the undesirable situation for the operator where the installation position of the foot controller 5 changes during operation.

[0046] Bracket 5a4 has a through hole 5a5 through which the rotating shaft 5d passes in the width direction of case 5a2 (the direction of the line connecting switch 5c1 and switch 5c3). Furthermore, bracket 5a4 has a notch 5a6 so that the vibrating part 5e provided on the back surface of pedal 5b does not come into contact with it when the operator presses down on pedal 5b.

[0047] The pedal 5b is configured such that when the operator places their foot on the pedal 5b with their toes pointing above the pedal 5b and their heel below, and then presses down on the top of the pedal 5b with their toes, the top of the pedal 5b can be pushed down towards the mounting surface of the foot controller 5. Specifically, the pedal 5b is supported by a rotation axis 5d so that the distance from one end 5b1 on the front side (device side) to the bottom 5a1 is variable, with the other end 5b2 on the rear side (operator side) rotatable relative to the main body 5a. In other words, the rotation axis 5d allows the pedal 5b to be rotated so that the distance from one end 5b1 to the bottom 5a1 of the pedal 5b can be changed.

[0048] The pedal 5b has a vibrating part 5e on the back surface opposite to the tread surface 5b3 on the side that the operator presses down on. The tread surface 5b3 is the surface of the pedal 5b that is positioned opposite the bottom 5a1 to the main body 5a, and the surface facing the bottom 5a1 is the back surface of the pedal 5b.

[0049] The vibrating part 5e is provided at one end 5b1 of the pedal 5b. Compared to the other end 5b2 of the pedal 5b, which is supported by the rotation axis 5d, one end 5b1 of the pedal 5b has more freedom of movement, and by providing the vibrating part 5e at one end 5b1, vibrations can be transmitted more easily to the operator. Of course, the vibrating part 5e may also be provided at the other end 5b2 of the pedal 5b, but in order to transmit vibrations more easily to the operator, it is preferable to provide it at a position offset from the rotation axis 5d (the other end 5b2) in the direction of one end 5b1 of the pedal 5b.

[0050] The vibrating part 5e is, for example, a piezoelectric element. Of course, the vibrating part 5e is not limited to a piezoelectric element as long as it can vibrate the pedal 5b and transmit vibration to the operator; other vibration devices such as a vibration motor may also be used. Furthermore, although it has been explained that the vibrating part 5e is provided on the back surface of the pedal 5b, depending on the shape of the vibrating part 5e, it may also be provided on the tread surface 5b3 of the pedal 5b or on the side surface of the pedal 5b. In addition, when molding the pedal 5b, the vibrating part 5e may be molded to be built into the pedal 5b. The electric wire 5e1 connected to the vibrating part 5e is led out from the other end 5b2 of the pedal 5b to the main body 5a.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vibrating part 5e be located in the center of the short-side direction (left-right direction) of the tread surface 5b3, where the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) of the tread surface 5b3 intersects with the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) of the tread surface 5b3 where one end 5b1 and the other end 5b2 face each other. Since the position where the operator steps on the pedal 5b is generally the central part of the short-side direction of the tread surface 5b3, providing the vibrating part 5e at this position makes it easier to transmit vibrations to the operator. In the foot controller 5 described above, the other end of the pedal is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 5d, but the configuration of the foot controller applicable to this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, there may be a foot controller in which the pedal is fixed and does not have a rotating shaft. In such a controller, a pressure sensor is provided on the pedal, and the amount the operator steps on it is measured by the pressure sensor to increase or decrease the rotation speed of the turbine of, for example, an air turbine handpiece.

[0052] [Process flow for vibrating the foot controller] Next, the control of the vibrating unit 5e by the control device 9 in the dental treatment device 100 will be explained using a flowchart. Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the control of the control device 9 according to Embodiment 1. In one implementation example, the notification process to the operator in Figure 6 is executed when the control device 9 is activated.

[0053] Referring to Figure 6, in step S10, the control device 9 determines whether the power is on. If the power is on (Yes in step S10), the process proceeds to step S12. If the power is not on (No in step S10), the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0054] In step S12, the control device 9 determines whether it has received the predetermined information. If it has received the predetermined information (Yes in step S12), it proceeds to step S14. If it has not received the predetermined information (No in step S12), it returns to step S10.

[0055] In step S14, the control device 9 detects a predetermined event based on the predetermined information received in step S12. If the predetermined event is detected (Yes in step S14), the process proceeds to step S16. If the predetermined event is not detected (No in step S14), the process returns to step S10.

[0056] In step S16, the control device 9 transmits a command to vibrate the vibration unit 5e of the foot controller 5. After that, the control device 9 returns to step S10.

[0057] The control device 9 can notify the operator of any discomfort without causing anxiety to the patient by vibrating the foot controller 5 on which the operator rests their foot during treatment when the patient operates the operation switch 8a. Furthermore, even when the operator is concentrating on the treatment, the vibration is transmitted to the operator's foot, ensuring that the operator is reliably informed that an event has occurred.

[0058] Furthermore, the predetermined events detected by the event detection unit 144 of the control device 9 are not limited to the unpleasant events described above. For example, they may include multiple types of events, such as events indicating that the patient is in a dangerous condition (hereinafter referred to as a dangerous event) and events related to the operation of equipment (hereinafter referred to as equipment events). Equipment events are not limited to cases where equipment maintenance is required, but also include cases where it is desirable for the operator to take some action regarding the equipment.

[0059] Furthermore, the predetermined information received by the control device 9 is not limited to information based on the operation of the patient's operation switch 8a. The predetermined information may be based on the patient's active actions or on the patient's passive actions. In the predetermined information targeted for detecting unpleasant events, information based on the operation of the patient's operation switch 8a is information based on the patient's active actions, but information based on, for example, the patient's facial image, information based on the vital sensor, and information based on the pickup timer are information based on the patient's passive actions. Information based on the pickup timer is information that measures the treatment time and indicates that the treatment time has exceeded a predetermined time. In addition, predetermined information targeted for detecting dangerous events may be, for example, information based on the root canal length measuring device and information based on the chair stop switch. Information targeted for detecting equipment events may be, for example, information based on the drain tank water volume sensor. (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, based on information from the operation switch 8a, the dental treatment device 100 vibrates the vibration unit 5e of the foot controller 5 to inform the practitioner that an unpleasant event has occurred. As described above, the predetermined events are not limited to unpleasant events. Furthermore, if the dental treatment device can detect multiple types of events, the importance of each event may differ. Therefore, the dental treatment device 100A according to Embodiment 2 detects not only unpleasant events but also dangerous events and equipment events as predetermined events. Furthermore, the dental treatment device 100A vibrates the foot controller 5 in different ways depending on the type of event detected. In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 of the dental treatment device 100, and detailed descriptions are not repeated. Also, the contents described in Embodiment 1 can be combined with those in Embodiment 2 to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0060] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dental treatment device 100A according to Embodiment 2. The treatment instruments 4 included in the dental treatment device 100A include a root canal length measuring device 4f and a vacuum syringe 4g. The basin unit 2 included in the dental treatment device 100A includes a tank 2d for storing the wastewater aspirated by the vacuum syringe 4g.

[0061] The root canal length measuring device 4f is used to measure the length of the tooth root. During root canal treatment, the practitioner cuts the infected root canal up to the apical constriction at the tip of the tooth root. If the apical constriction is accidentally destroyed during this process, the periapical periodontal tissue will be directly stimulated by the root canal, which may cause pain. Therefore, the practitioner must cut the root canal without destroying the apical constriction. The root canal length measuring device 4f transmits information to the control device 9 that the root canal has been cut up to the vicinity of the apical constriction in the target tooth.

[0062] Tank 2d is connected to a vacuum syringe 4g and stores the wastewater aspirated by the vacuum syringe 4g. Tank 2d is equipped with a water level sensor, which transmits information corresponding to the amount of wastewater inside to the control device 9. When the water level sensor transmits information to the control device 9 that the amount of water inside tank 2d is approaching the storage limit, the event detection unit 144 detects the type of event based on this information, as will be described later. Furthermore, when the water level sensor transmits information to the control device 9 that the amount of water inside tank 2d has reached the storage limit, the control device 9 stops suction by the vacuum syringe 4g. In this case, after the water inside tank 2d has been removed and the water level sensor detects that the amount of water inside tank 2d is below a predetermined amount, the control device 9 resumes suction by the vacuum syringe 4g.

[0063] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of the control device 9 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 8, when the arithmetic unit 14 executes a given program, a level determination unit 145 is realized in addition to the panel control unit 141, the medical device drive unit 142, the monitor control unit 143, and the event detection unit 144.

[0064] The predetermined information targeted by the event detection unit 144 includes information transmitted to the control device 9 when the patient feels discomfort such as pain and operates the operation switch 8a, as well as information transmitted from the root canal length measuring device 4f and information transmitted from the tank 2d. Upon receiving the predetermined information, the event detection unit detects the type of event.

[0065] The level determination unit 145 is implemented by the arithmetic unit 14 determining the level of an event based on the type of event detected. The determined level information is transmitted to the event detection unit 144. The event detection unit 144 transmits a signal to vibrate the vibration unit 5e based on the level. At that time, the vibration unit 5e is vibrated in different ways depending on the level of each event. Vibrating the vibration unit 5e in different ways means, for example, changing the amplitude, frequency, vibration pattern, and vibration time of the vibration.

[0066] For example, the event detection unit 144 detects an unpleasant event when it receives information from the operation switch 8a, a dangerous event when it receives information from the root canal length measuring device 4f, and a device event when it receives information from the tank 2d. The level determination unit 145 determines that unpleasant events are level 2, dangerous events are level 3, and device events are level 1. The control device 9, based on the event detection unit 144, transmits a signal that causes the foot controller 5 to vibrate with a larger amplitude the higher the level.

[0067] The operator can recognize the type of event that has occurred based on the vibration pattern of the foot controller 5 and respond accordingly. For example, if an unpleasant event occurs, the operator can temporarily suspend treatment and allow the patient to rest. If a dangerous event occurs, the operator can decide whether to suspend treatment and continue cutting. Furthermore, if an equipment event occurs, the operator can suspend treatment at an appropriate point and allow time for the water inside tank 2d to drain, thereby preventing the suction from the vacuum syringe 4g from unexpectedly stopping.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, the event detection unit 144 may detect, more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, that the amount of water inside tank 2d is approaching the amount of water that can be stored. In such cases, the level determination unit 145 may determine the level of the equipment event to be higher than described above. There may be cases where a blockage occurs in the drain pipe of tank 2d, preventing the water inside tank 2d from being drained, and the operator needs to perform maintenance immediately. In such cases, it is desirable to set the level high and vibrate the foot controller 5 with a large amplitude to reliably convey the information to the operator.

[0069] Next, the control of the vibrating section 5e by the control device 9 in the dental treatment device 100A will be explained using a flowchart. Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining the control of the control device 9 according to Embodiment 2. In one implementation example, the notification process to the operator in Figure 9 is executed when the control device 9 is activated. Note that in Figure 9, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the flowchart explained in Figure 6, and detailed explanations are not repeated.

[0070] In step S18, the control device 9 determines the level of the event based on the information of the event type detected in step S14. Based on the determined level information, the control device 9 transmits a signal to vibrate the vibrating unit 5e in a different manner. After that, the control device 9 returns to step S10.

[0071] The dental treatment device 100A vibrates the foot controller 5 not only based on the patient's operation of the control switch 8a, but also based on information related to the treatment and equipment maintenance. Therefore, the practitioner can recognize potential risks during treatment or equipment malfunctions without the patient knowing, other than the patient's discomfort.

[0072] Furthermore, the dental treatment device 100A vibrates the foot controller 5 in different ways based on the level of the detected event. Therefore, the practitioner can recognize what kind of event has occurred from the difference in vibration. Moreover, the practitioner can recognize from the difference in vibration whether the event that occurred is an important event that requires immediate attention or not. (Embodiment 3) In Embodiments 1 and 2, dental treatment devices 100 and 100A were described that vibrate a foot controller 5 in response to the detection of an event to inform the practitioner of the occurrence of the event. In Embodiment 3, a configuration is described in which the vibration pattern changes depending on whether the practitioner is pressing down on the foot controller 5 or not. The practitioner presses down on the foot controller 5 when operating the dental instrument 4 (dental treatment instrument). When the practitioner is pressing down on the foot controller 5, they are concentrating on the treatment (operation of the dental instrument 4), so the practitioner may not easily notice the vibration of the vibrating part 5e. Therefore, in the dental treatment device 100B according to Embodiment 3, in order to reliably inform the practitioner that an event has occurred even when the practitioner is pressing down on the foot controller 5, the vibration pattern is changed depending on whether the foot controller 5 is pressed down or not. In Embodiment 3, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 (dental treatment device 100) and Embodiment 2 (dental treatment device 100A), and detailed descriptions are not repeated. Furthermore, the contents described in Embodiments 1 and 2 can be combined to the extent that they do not contradict Embodiment 3.

[0073] After the event level has been determined, the dental treatment device 100B determines whether the foot controller 5 is pressed down or not. If the foot controller 5 is not pressed down, the dental treatment device 100B vibrates the foot controller 5 based on the level determined by the level determination unit 145. If the foot controller 5 is pressed down, the dental treatment device 100B vibrates the foot controller 5 at the maximum level regardless of the level determined by the level determination unit 145. The determination of whether the foot controller 5 is pressed down or not is made, for example, based on whether the operation unit 12 of the foot controller 5 is being operated or not.

[0074] Next, the control of the vibrating unit 5e by the control device 9 in the dental treatment device 100B will be explained using a flowchart. Figure 10 is a flowchart for explaining the control of the control device 9 according to Embodiment 3. In one implementation example, the notification process to the operator in Figure 10 is executed when the control device 9 is activated. In Figure 10, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the flowcharts explained in Figures 6 and 9, and detailed explanations are not repeated.

[0075] In step S20, the control device 9 determines whether the pedal 5b of the foot controller 5 is pressed down. If the dental treatment device 100B determines that it is pressed down (Yes in step S20), it proceeds to step S22; if it determines that it is not pressed down (No in step S20), it proceeds to step S24.

[0076] In step S22, the control device 9 vibrates the foot controller 5 in mode A. Mode A corresponds, for example, to the maximum level at which the vibrating unit 5e can vibrate. After that, the dental treatment device 100B returns to step S10.

[0077] In step S24, the control device 9 vibrates the foot controller 5 in mode B, which is different from mode A. Mode B corresponds, for example, to the level of the event determined in step S18. After that, the dental treatment device 100B returns to step S10.

[0078] The dental treatment device 100B vibrates the foot controller 5 more strongly when it is pressed down than when it is not, even if the detected event is the same. By vibrating the foot controller 5 more strongly when it is pressed down, even a practitioner who is concentrating on operating the foot controller 5 can reliably recognize that an event has occurred.

[0079] Conversely, some practitioners may not want to be notified by vibration from the foot controller 5 when they are pressing it down. Practitioners operate dental instruments by pressing down on the foot controller 5. Some practitioners may feel that vibration from the foot controller 5, which has an operating part 12 used to operate dental instruments, interferes with treatment. In such cases, in Figure 10, step S22 may be set so that the foot controller 5 does not vibrate. That is, embodiment A corresponds to not vibrating the foot controller 5. This configuration prevents vibration from interfering with the operation of dental instruments when the practitioner is performing treatment by pressing down on the foot controller 5. (Modified version): Mechanism for displaying on a monitor When the dental treatment device 100 detects a predetermined event, it may vibrate the foot controller 5 and display detailed information about the event on the monitor 6. Displaying the information on the monitor 6 allows the practitioner to receive detailed information.

[0080] An example of a display screen that the dental treatment device 100 displays on the monitor 6 when it detects a predetermined event is described below. Figure 11 shows an example of the display screen.

[0081] The display screen 200 includes window 210, window 220, and window 230.

[0082] Window 210 displays icons indicating the type of event detected by the dental treatment device 100. As shown in Legend 300, the dental treatment device 100 displays IC1 on monitor 6 when it detects an unpleasant event, IC2 when it detects a dangerous event, and IC3 when it detects an equipment event. Note that what is displayed in window 210 is not limited to icons; it may also be text.

[0083] Window 220 displays images showing the condition of the patient's oral cavity. The displayed images are, for example, images received from external devices (e.g., X-ray machines and computed tomography scanners).

[0084] Window 230 displays detailed information about the event detected by the dental treatment device 100 in text format.

[0085] According to the modified example described above, when the operator recognizes that an event has occurred due to vibrations from the foot controller 5, they can obtain more detailed information about the event by checking the monitor 6.

[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1. Dental chair, 2. Basin unit, 3. Instrument stand, 4. Dental instruments, 5. Foot controller, 6. Monitor, 7. Lighting device, 8. Control panel, 8a. Operation switch, 9. Control device, 10. Chair unit, 11. Seat drive unit, 12. Operation unit, 13. I / O interface, 14. Processing unit, 15. Storage device, 16. Basin control unit, 17. Lighting control unit, 141. Panel control unit, 142. Dental instrument drive unit, 143. Monitor control unit, 144. Event detection unit, 145. Level determination unit, 100, 100A, 100B. Dental treatment equipment.

Claims

1. A foot controller for operating dental treatment instruments, The system comprises at least a control device for controlling the foot controller, The aforementioned foot controller is A main body having a bottom, A pedal having a tread surface positioned on the opposite side of the bottom of the main body, A rotating shaft that rotatably supports the other end of the pedal relative to the main body such that the distance from one end of the pedal to the bottom is variable, The pedal includes a vibrating part that transmits vibrations to the operator's foot, The control device is An input section into which prescribed information regarding medical treatment is entered, A control unit that detects a predetermined event based on the predetermined information and generates control data for vibrating the vibrating part based on the detected predetermined event, A dental treatment device including an output unit that outputs the control data to the foot controller.

2. The dental treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event includes at least one of an event representing patient discomfort, an event representing danger, an event representing the state of the equipment, and an event representing the need for maintenance.

3. The dental treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the event representing the patient's discomfort is detected based on predetermined information resulting from the patient's active actions.

4. The system further includes a switch that can be operated by the patient, The dental treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the active action of the patient is the operation of the switch.

5. The dental treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined event is detected based on the predetermined information from the root canal length measuring device input to the input unit.

6. The dental treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit generates control data for vibrating the vibrating part in different ways according to the type of predetermined event detected.

7. The dental treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit generates control data for vibrating the vibrating part in a manner different from when the operator is pressing down on the foot controller, when the operator is pressing down on the foot controller.

8. A pump to suction water from the patient's mouth, The system further comprises a storage unit for storing the wastewater from the aforementioned pump, The dental treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects the predetermined event based on predetermined information based on the water level of the storage unit.

9. Display device and A dental treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a display control device that, based on the detection of the predetermined event, causes the display device to display a display corresponding to the predetermined event.

10. A control method for a dental treatment apparatus comprising a foot controller for operating dental treatment instruments and a control device for controlling at least the foot controller, The aforementioned foot controller is A main body having a bottom, A pedal having a tread surface positioned on the opposite side of the bottom of the main body, A rotating shaft that rotatably supports the other end of the pedal relative to the main body such that the distance from one end of the pedal to the bottom is variable, The pedal includes a vibrating part that transmits vibrations to the operator's foot, Steps for receiving required information regarding medical treatment, The steps include detecting a predetermined event based on the predetermined information, The steps include generating control data for vibrating the vibrating part based on the predetermined event, A control method comprising the step of outputting the control data to the foot controller.

11. A control device for controlling a foot controller for operating at least a dental treatment instrument, The aforementioned foot controller has a vibrating part that transmits vibrations to the operator's foot, An input section into which prescribed information regarding medical treatment is entered, A control unit that detects a predetermined event based on the predetermined information and generates control data for vibrating the vibrating part based on the detected predetermined event, It includes an output unit that outputs the control data to the foot controller, The control unit is a control device that generates control data for vibrating the vibrating part in a manner different from when the operator is pressing down on the foot controller, when the operator is pressing down on the foot controller.

12. A foot controller for operating dental treatment instruments, A control device that controls the foot controller, A pump to suction water from the patient's mouth, The system includes a storage unit for storing the wastewater from the pump, The aforementioned foot controller has a vibrating part that transmits vibrations to the operator's foot, The control device is An input section into which prescribed information regarding medical treatment is entered, A control unit that detects a predetermined event based on the predetermined information and generates control data for vibrating the vibrating part based on the detected predetermined event, The control unit includes an output unit that outputs the control unit to the foot controller, The control unit detects the predetermined event based on predetermined information derived from the water level in the storage unit, in a dental treatment device.

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