Intraoral sensing system and intraoral sensing method

Abstract

[Subject] Provide an intra-oral sensing system and an intra-oral sensing method that can use the living body information obtained by a sensor module disposed in the oral cavity for medical treatment. [Solution] The intra-oral sensing system comprises: a sensor module that is worn in the patient's oral cavity and stores data obtained by sensing the living body information; a storage device that obtains the data stored in the sensor module and the patient's identification information and stores the obtained data in association with the patient's identification information; a dentist's terminal device that analyzes the data stored in the storage device according to the identification information of each patient; and a doctor's terminal device that obtains data related to the patient with an attack of a disease from the patient's data stored in the storage device from the dentist's terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an intra-oral sensing system and an intra-oral sensing method.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-044445 filed in Japan on March 13, 2020, and the contents are incorporated herein. Background Art

[0003] It has always been the practice to set a sensor in the oral cavity to obtain living body information or sense the state of a corrective appliance worn in the oral cavity. For example, regarding the technology of sensing the state of a corrective appliance worn in the oral cavity, there is a known technology of transmitting the bite state in the oral cavity while suppressing battery consumption (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2016-10660). In this technology, the mouthguard is driven by a battery. The sensing unit is composed of a sensor and detects the bite state of the detection object. The transmission timing setting unit sets the data transmission timing based on the bite state detected by the sensing unit. The transmission unit transmits the bite state detected by the sensing unit based on the data transmission timing determined by the transmission timing setting unit. Summary of the invention

[0004] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned technology, biological information is acquired for a specific purpose through sensing for the purpose of dental treatment or the like.

[0006] Therefore, even if it is assumed that the biological information acquired by sensing for the purpose of dental treatment includes daily changes in biological information required for medical treatment, the data will not be used for medical treatment.

[0007] The present invention has been conceived in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an intra-oral sensing system and an intra-oral sensing method that can use living body information acquired by a sensor module disposed in the oral cavity for medical treatment or prevention.

[0008]

Solutions to Solve the Problem

[0009] (1) In view of the above-mentioned problems, an intra-oral sensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an intra-oral sensing system for sensing living body information by a sensor module provided in the oral cavity, and comprises: a sensor module, which is worn in the oral cavity of a patient and stores data acquired by sensing living body information; a storage device, which acquires the data stored in the sensor module and identification information of the patient, and stores the acquired data in association with the identification information of the patient; a dentist's terminal device, which analyzes the data stored in the storage device according to the identification information of each patient; and a doctor's terminal device, which acquires, from the dentist's terminal device, data related to a patient suffering from an onset of a disease among the data of the patient stored in the storage device.

[0010] (2) In the intra-oral sensing system according to (1) above, the sensor module may be provided on any one of an orthodontic device, a denture, and an implant.

[0011] (3) In the intraoral sensing system according to (1) or (2), the living body information may be at least one of body temperature, blood flow, oxygen, heart rate, bacteria, teeth grinding, and chewing and swallowing times.

[0012] (4) In the intraoral sensing system involved in any one of the above (1) to (3), the sensor module may also include: a sensor for sensing a living body; a battery for supplying electric power; a signal processing unit for generating digital data based on the results sensed by the sensor; a memory for storing the digital data generated by the signal processing unit; and a radio transceiver unit for receiving an instruction for acquiring data sent by an acquisition device (for acquiring digital data), and based on the received instruction, sending the patient's identification information and the digital data stored in the memory to the acquisition device.

[0013] (5) In the intra-oral sensing system involved in any one of the above (1) to (4), the sensor module may also include at least one of a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a pressure sensor, a strain sensor, a pulse sensor, a pulse oximeter, a heart rate sensor and a laser sensor.

[0014] (6) In the intra-oral sensing system involved in any one of the above (1) to (5), the sensor module can also be set on any one of the corrective device, the denture and the implant, and any one of the corrective device, the denture and the implant is at least partially formed of a material that can transmit any one of the wavelengths of 400nm to 1000nm.

[0015] (7) In the intra-oral sensing system involved in any one of the above (1) to (6), the sensor module can also send an action confirmation signal, and the intra-oral sensing system has a terminal device that receives the action confirmation signal sent by the sensor module.

[0016] (8) In the intraoral sensing system involved in any one of the above (1) to (7), the dentist's terminal device may also have a processing unit that performs either or both of an analysis of dental treatment and an analysis of medical diseases based on the data and the identification information of each patient.

[0017] (9) In the intraoral sensing system involved in the above (8), the processing unit may also generate disease information containing the patient ID of the patient and information indicating that the patient is suspected of having a disease, with the destination being the doctor's terminal device, when it is determined that the patient is suspected of having a disease, and the dentist's terminal device has a communication unit that sends the disease information generated by the processing unit to the doctor's terminal device.

[0018] (10) An intra-oral sensing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an intra-oral sensing method performed by an intra-oral sensing system, wherein the intra-oral sensing system senses living body information by a sensor module disposed in the oral cavity, the intra-oral sensing method comprising: a step in which a storage device acquires data stored in the sensor module and identification information of a patient, and stores the acquired data in association with the identification information of the patient; a step in which a dentist's terminal device acquires the data stored in the sensor module and the identification information of the patient, and analyzes the acquired data; a step in which, when determining that the patient is suspected of having a disease, the dentist's terminal device generates disease information including the identification information of the patient and information indicating that the patient is suspected of having a disease, and transmits the generated disease information to a doctor's terminal device; a step in which the dentist's terminal device generates medical hospital information including information indicating a contact address of a medical hospital where the doctor's terminal device for transmitting the disease information is disposed, the identification information of the patient, and a disease name, and transmits the generated medical hospital information to the storage device.

[0019] (11) In the intra-oral sensing method according to (10) above, in the step of performing analysis, the dentist terminal device may perform analysis of dental treatment and analysis of medical diseases.

[0020] (12) In the intra-oral sensing method involved in the above (10) or (11), it may also further include: in order to request the patient's data, the dentist's terminal device obtains the patient's data from the storage device based on the sensor information request sent by the doctor's terminal device; and the dentist's terminal device generates a sensor information response including the patient's data obtained from the storage device, and sends the generated sensor information response to the doctor's terminal device.

[0021] (13) In the intra-oral sensing method involved in the above (12), it may also include: the dentist's terminal device associates the patient's identification information corresponding to the data of the patient included in the sensor information response sent to the doctor's terminal device with the disease name and the medical hospital name, and stores it in the storage device; and the dentist's terminal device obtains the patient's name, disease name, medical hospital name, and treatment information included in the treatment information sent by the doctor's terminal device, associates the patient's identification information corresponding to the obtained patient's name, disease name, medical hospital name, and treatment information, and stores them in the storage device.

[0022] [Effects of the invention]

[0023] According to the above-described aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an intra-oral sensing system and an intra-oral sensing method that can use living body information acquired by a sensor module disposed in the oral cavity for medical treatment or prevention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of an intra-oral sensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of a sensor module, a data acquisition device, a dentist terminal device, a dental storage device, and a doctor terminal device included in the intra-oral sensing system of the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing Example 1 of the appearance of the sensor module of the intraoral living body monitoring system according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing Example 1 of a cross section of a portion where a sensor module of the intraoral living body monitoring system according to the present embodiment is mounted.

[0028] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second example of the appearance of the sensor module of the intraoral living body monitoring system according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing Example 2 of a cross section of a portion where the sensor module of the intraoral living body monitoring system according to the present embodiment is mounted.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing Example 1 of the operation of the intra-oral sensing system according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing Example 2 of the operation of the intra-oral sensing system according to the present embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing Example 3 of the operation of the intra-oral sensing system according to the present embodiment.

[0033] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing Example 4 of the operation of the intra-oral sensing system according to the present embodiment.

[0034] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of an intra-oral sensing system according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.12 This is a block diagram showing a sensor module and a terminal device constituting an intra-oral sensing system according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Next, an intra-oral sensing system and an intra-oral sensing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0037] In addition, the term "based on XX" in this application means "based at least on XX", and includes the case where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. In addition, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is used directly, but also includes the case where it is based on elements after XX is calculated or processed. "XX" is an arbitrary element (for example, arbitrary information).

[0038] (Implementation Method)

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions of the components may be omitted.

[0040] (Intraoral Sensing System)

[0041] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of an intra-oral sensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. An intra-oral sensing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention senses living body information using a sensor module provided in the oral cavity.

[0042] The intra-oral sensing system 100 includes a sensor module 1 , a data acquisition device 2 , a dentist terminal device 3 , a dental storage device 4 , and a doctor terminal device 5 .

[0043] The sensor module 1 is connected to the data acquisition device 2 by radio. The data acquisition device 2, the dentist terminal device 3, the dental storage device 4, the doctor terminal device 5 and the terminal device 10 communicate via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a provider device, a radio base station, and the like.

[0044] The sensor module 1 is worn in the oral cavity of the patient PA, and stores data acquired by sensing biological information in association with date and time information when the data was acquired.

[0045] The data acquisition device 2 generates a command indicating acquisition of sensor information, and transmits the generated command to the sensor module 1 .

[0046] When the sensor module 1 receives a command indicating acquisition of sensor information from the data acquisition device 2 , it generates sensor information including stored data, date and time information, and identification information of a patient ID (hereinafter referred to as “patient ID”), and sends the generated sensor information to the data acquisition device 2 .

[0047] The data acquisition device 2 receives the sensor information transmitted by the sensor module 1 in response to the transmitted command. The data acquisition device 2 transmits the received sensor information to one or both of the dentist terminal device 3 and the dental storage device 4.

[0048] The dental storage device 4 stores the data, date and time information, and patient ID included in the sensor information transmitted from the data acquisition device 2 in association with each other.

[0049] The dentist's terminal device 3 acquires the data, date and time information, and patient ID included in the sensor information transmitted from the data acquisition device 2. The dentist's terminal device 3 analyzes the data based on the acquired data and date and time information.

[0050] When a user such as a dentist performs an operation to obtain data, the dentist terminal device 3 generates a sensor information request including a patient ID and information indicating the state of data acquisition and is addressed to the dental storage device 4. The dentist terminal device 3 transmits the generated sensor information request to the dental storage device 4.

[0051] The dental storage device 4 acquires the data and date information stored in association with the patient ID based on the patient ID and the information indicating the data acquisition status included in the sensor information request sent by the dentist terminal device 3. The dental storage device 4 generates a sensor information response including the acquired data and date information. The dental storage device 4 transmits the generated sensor information response to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0052] The dentist's terminal device 3 receives a sensor information response sent by the dental storage device 4 in response to the sensor information request sent to the dental storage device 4. The dentist's terminal device 3 analyzes the data based on the data and date and time information included in the sensor information response. That is, the dentist's terminal device 3 analyzes the data stored in the dental storage device 4 for each patient ID.

[0053] In addition, the doctor terminal device 5 requests the dentist terminal device 3 for data stored in association with the patient ID of the patient PA who has developed a disease. The user such as the doctor performs an operation to obtain data, and the doctor terminal device 5 generates a sensor information request including the patient's name, disease name, and information provision period and destined for the dentist terminal device 3. The doctor terminal device 5 sends the generated sensor information request to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0054] When receiving the sensor information request sent from the doctor terminal device 5, the dentist terminal device 3 changes the patient's name included in the sensor information request to the patient ID, specifies the biological information based on the disease name, and generates a sensor information request including the specified biological information and addressed to the dental storage device 4. The dentist terminal device 3 forwards the generated sensor information request to the dental storage device 4. The dentist terminal device 3 receives the sensor information response sent from the dental storage device 4 in response to the sensor information request forwarded to the dental storage device 4. The dentist terminal device 3 changes the patient ID included in the received sensor information response to the name of the corresponding patient, specifies the measurement date and time of each digital data based on the date and time information of the start of sensing and the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and generates a sensor information response including the specified measurement date and time and addressed to the doctor terminal device 5. The dentist terminal device 3 forwards the generated sensor information request to the doctor terminal device 5.

[0055] The doctor terminal device 5 receives the sensor information response sent by the dentist terminal device 3 in response to the sensor information request sent to the dentist terminal device 3. The doctor terminal device 5 obtains the patient's name, disease name, digital data, and information indicating the measurement date and time contained in the sensor information response. The doctor treats the disease based on the obtained disease name, digital data, and information indicating the measurement date and time.

[0056] Hereinafter, the sensor module 1 , the data acquisition device 2 , the dentist terminal device 3 , the dental storage device 4 , and the doctor terminal device 5 included in the intra-oral sensing system 100 will be described in detail.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of a sensor module, a data acquisition device, a dentist terminal device, a dental storage device, and a doctor terminal device included in the intra-oral sensing system of the present embodiment.

[0058] (Sensor module 1)

[0059] The sensor module 1 includes a battery 11, a sensor 12, and a sensor module unit 13. The circuit blocks of the battery 11, the sensor 12, the sensor module unit 13, etc. are mounted on a relatively thin circuit substrate or a flexible substrate. An example of the sensor module unit 13 is implemented by a chip including a signal processing unit 14, a memory 15, and a radio transceiver unit 16. The sensor module 1 is either mounted on an orthodontic appliance or a denture, or embedded in an implant.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing Example 1 of the appearance of the sensor module of the intraoral living body monitoring system according to the present embodiment.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing Example 1 of a cross section of a portion where a sensor module of the intraoral living body monitoring system according to the present embodiment is mounted.

[0062] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the sensor module 1 is held by a tooth guard 21. An example of the tooth guard 21 is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material. An example of the tooth guard 21 is worn on the crown T of the detection object (patient PA) in a state of covering at least one of the crown T and the gums G. In addition, an example of the tooth guard 21 covers at least a portion of the gums G of the detection object. Furthermore, an example of the tooth guard 21 covers at least a portion of the sensor module 1. Specifically, the tooth guard 21 seals at least a portion of the sensor module 1. In Figure 3 In the example shown, the sensor module 1 is arranged on the inside of the tooth.

[0063] Figure 5FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second example of the appearance of the sensor module of the intraoral living body monitoring system according to the present embodiment. Figure 5 In the example shown, the sensor module 1 is arranged on the outside of the tooth.

[0064] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, when the sensor module 1 is worn on an orthodontic appliance, the orthodontic appliance is formed of any one of polyethylene materials, polyurethane materials, and thermoplastic polymer compounds of propylene resins. The orthodontic appliance is formed into a tooth mold or gum mold shape using molding technology such as a die press or a 3D printer.

[0065] A recess is formed in a part of the orthodontic appliance, and the sensor module 1 is installed in the recess. The sensor module 1 may be installed in any of the part corresponding to the side wall of the crown part and the part corresponding to the gum. Figure 4 As shown, the sensor module 1 is preferably provided at a portion corresponding to the gums.

[0066] In addition, when the sensor module 1 is equipped with at least one of a pulse sensor for measuring pulse using light, a pulse oximeter for measuring blood oxygen concentration using light, a heart rate sensor for measuring heart rate using light, and a laser sensor for measuring blood flow using laser, with respect to the sensor module 1, in order to obtain information from the blood vessels in the gum part, it is preferred to set the sensor module 1 in the gum part.

[0067] Furthermore, when the sensor module 1 is equipped with a sensor using light or laser, light transmission is essential, so at least a portion of the orthodontic appliance needs to be made of a material that can transmit any light wavelength of 400 nm to 1000 nm.

[0068] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a portion of the sensor module of the intraoral living body monitoring system according to the present embodiment. Figure 6 In the example shown, the sensor module 1 is embedded in an implant IN. The implant IN includes an implant 63. The implant 63 includes a screw portion 62 embedded in a bone 64 to be embedded, and a head portion 61 connected to the screw portion 62.

[0069] like Figure 6As shown, when the sensor module 1 is worn on the implant IN, the sensor module 1 is provided in the head 61 of the implant denture or the like. When the sensor module 1 is provided in the head 61 and the sensor module 1 is equipped with at least one of a pulse sensor for measuring pulse using light, a pulse oximeter for measuring blood oxygen concentration using light, a heart rate sensor for measuring heart rate using light, and a laser sensor for measuring blood flow using laser, in order to obtain information from the blood vessels of the gums, the sensor module 1 is preferably provided in a portion corresponding to the gums.

[0070] Furthermore, when the sensor module 1 is equipped with a sensor using light or laser, since light transmission is necessary, at least a portion of the head 61 needs to be made of a material that can transmit any light wavelength of 400 nm to 1000 nm. Figure 2 Continue with the description.

[0071] An example of the battery 11 is a primary battery or a secondary battery. The battery 11 supplies power to the sensor 12 and the sensor module unit 13 .

[0072] The sensor 12 includes at least one of a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a strain sensor, a pulse sensor, a pulse oximeter, a heart rate sensor, and a laser sensor, and acquires sensing data by sensing. Here, the pulse sensor uses light to measure the pulse, the pulse oximeter uses light to measure the blood oxygen concentration, the heart rate sensor uses light to measure the heart rate, and the laser sensor uses laser to measure the blood flow.

[0073] In addition, as described above, the sensor module 1 may also include at least one of a pulse sensor that uses light to measure pulse, a pulse oximeter that uses light to measure blood oxygen concentration, a heart rate sensor that uses light to measure heart rate, and a laser sensor that uses laser to measure blood flow. In addition, the sensor module 1 may also include a sensor that uses light or laser. The sensor 12 outputs the acquired sensing data to the sensor module unit 13. Here, the sensing data (sensor data) is the output value of the sensor 12 mounted on the sensor module 1. For example, when the sensor module 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor and an acceleration sensor, the temperature sensor and the acceleration sensor respectively output a temperature sensor value and an acceleration sensor value (x, y, z) at each measurement interval.

[0074] The radio transceiver 16 communicates with the data acquisition device 2. An example of a radio communication method used for communication between the radio transceiver 16 and the data acquisition device 2 is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). However, the radio communication between the radio transceiver 16 and the data acquisition device 2 may be performed by a communication method other than BLE.

[0075] Specifically, the wireless transceiver 16 receives the initial setting information sent by the data acquisition device 2. The initial setting information includes the date and time information when the sensor module 1 starts sensing, information indicating the time interval of measurement, and the patient ID. Here, the date and time information may also include information indicating the year and month.

[0076] In addition, the radio transceiver 16 receives a command sent from the data acquisition device 2. The radio transceiver 16 acquires the sensor information output from the signal processing unit 14, and transmits the acquired sensor information to the data acquisition device 2 outside the oral cavity.

[0077] The signal processing unit 14 includes a microcomputer and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The signal processing unit 14 obtains the initial setting information received by the radio transceiver 16, and obtains the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and the patient ID contained in the obtained initial setting information. The signal processing unit 14 stores the obtained date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and the patient ID in the memory 15. In addition, the signal processing unit 14 sets the obtained information indicating the time interval of measurement to the sensor 12.

[0078] The signal processing unit 14 obtains the sensing data output by the sensor 12 and converts the obtained sensing data into digital data. The signal processing unit 14 associates the digital data obtained by converting the sensing data with the measurement index and stores it in the memory 15. Here, the measurement index is identification information of the digital data. The measurement index and the sensor data are stored at each measurement interval. An example of the measurement index is a numerical value determined by a unique value assigned in the measurement order.

[0079] The signal processing unit 14 obtains the command received by the radio transceiver unit 16 and interprets the obtained command. The signal processing unit 14 controls the memory 15 and the radio transceiver unit 16 based on the result of interpreting the command. Specifically, when the command received by the radio transceiver unit 16 is to obtain sensor information, the signal processing unit 14 generates sensor information including information associated with the sensing start date and time information, information indicating the time interval of measurement, patient ID, sensor module 1 ID (sensor 12 ID), measurement index, and digital data stored in the memory 15 and with the data acquisition device 2 as the destination. Here, the sensor module 1 ID is the identification information of the sensor module 1. The signal processing unit 14 outputs the generated sensor information to the radio transceiver unit 16.

[0080] (Data acquisition device 2)

[0081] The data acquisition device 2 is implemented by a device such as a personal computer, a server, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or an industrial computer. The data acquisition device 2 includes, for example, a first communication unit 21 - 1 , a second communication unit 21 - 2 , a processing unit 22 , and a storage unit 25 .

[0082] The first communication unit 21-1 is implemented by a communication module. The first communication unit 21-1 communicates with an external communication device. The first communication unit 21-1 may also communicate by a communication method such as BLE. The first communication unit 21-1 maintains communication information required for communicating with the sensor module 1. The first communication unit 21-1 sends the initial setting information output by the processing unit 22 to the sensor module 1. The first communication unit 21-1 sends the command output by the processing unit 22 to the sensor module 1. The first communication unit 21-1 receives the sensor information sent by the sensor module 1 in response to the sent command.

[0083] The second communication unit 21-2 is implemented by a communication module. The second communication unit 21-2 communicates with an external communication device via the network NW. The second communication unit 21-2 may also communicate via a communication method such as a wired LAN. The second communication unit 21-2 maintains communication information required for communicating with the dentist's terminal device 3 and the dental storage device 4 via the network NW. The second communication unit 21-2 receives a sensor information acquisition request sent by the dentist's terminal device 3. The second communication unit 21-2 sends the sensor information output by the processing unit 22 to the dentist's terminal device 3. The second communication unit 21-2 sends the sensor information output by the processing unit 22 to the dental storage device 4.

[0084] The storage unit 25 is implemented by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like.

[0085] The processing unit 22 is implemented by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 25. In addition, some or all of these functional units may be implemented by hardware (including circuitry) such as LSI (Large Scale Integration) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., or by the combination of software and hardware. The computer program may be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed by attaching the storage medium to a drive device.

[0086] The processing unit 22 generates initial setting information including the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and the patient ID. When the sensor module 1 is activated and the activation of the sensor module 1 is detected, the processing unit 22 generates the initial setting information. The processing unit 22 outputs the generated initial setting information to the first communication unit 21-1. The processing unit 22 obtains the sensor information acquisition request received by the second communication unit 21-2. The processing unit 22 generates an instruction to obtain the sensor information based on the obtained sensor information acquisition request. The processing unit 22 outputs the generated instruction to the first communication unit 21-1. The processing unit 22 obtains the sensor information received by the first communication unit 21-1. The processing unit 22 outputs the obtained sensor information to the second communication unit 21-2.

[0087] (Dentist's terminal device 3)

[0088] The dentist's terminal device 3 is implemented by a device such as a personal computer, a server, a smart phone, a tablet computer, or an industrial computer. The dentist's terminal device 3 is installed in a dental hospital or other hospital where dental examinations or treatments are performed. The dentist's terminal device 3 includes, for example, a communication unit 31, a processing unit 32, an operation unit 33, and a storage unit 35.

[0089] The communication unit 31 is implemented by a communication module. The communication unit 31 communicates with an external communication device via the network NW. The communication unit 31 may also communicate by a communication method such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 31 stores communication information required for communicating with the data acquisition device 2, the dental storage device 4, and the doctor's terminal device 5 via the network NW.

[0090] Specifically, the communication unit 31 sends the sensor information acquisition request output by the processing unit 32 to the data acquisition device 2, and receives the sensor information sent by the data acquisition device 2 in response to the sent sensor information acquisition request. The communication unit 31 sends the sensor information request output by the processing unit 32 to the dental storage device 4, and receives the sensor information response sent by the dental storage device 4 in response to the sent sensor information request.

[0091] The communication unit 31 receives the sensor information request sent by the doctor terminal device 5, and in response to the received sensor information request, sends the sensor information request output by the processing unit 32 to the dental storage device 4. The communication unit 31 receives the sensor information response sent by the dental storage device 4, and in response to the received sensor information response, sends the sensor information response output by the processing unit 32 to the doctor terminal device 5.

[0092] The operation unit 33 includes an input device and receives an operation by the dentist. The input device includes a device for inputting character information such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, a button, a dial, a joystick, a touch sensor, a touch pad, etc. The dentist operates the operation unit 33 to input one or both of the information requesting acquisition of sensor information and the patient ID.

[0093] The storage unit 35 is implemented by a HDD, a flash memory, a RAM, a ROM, or the like.

[0094] The processing unit 32 is implemented by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 35. In addition, some or all of these functional units may be implemented by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, GPU, etc., or by a combination of software and hardware. The computer program may be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed by attaching the storage medium to the drive device.

[0095] The processing unit 32 generates a sensor information acquisition request based on the information requesting the acquisition of the sensor information output by the operating unit 33 through the operation of the operating unit 33 by the user such as a dentist, and outputs the generated sensor information acquisition request to the communication unit 31. The processing unit 32 acquires the sensor information sent by the data acquisition device 2 from the communication unit 31 in response to the sensor information acquisition request. The processing unit 32 acquires the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the patient ID, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data contained in the acquired sensor information. The processing unit 32 extracts the digital data required for the dental treatment of the patient PA from the acquired digital data. The processing unit 32 performs the analysis required for the dental treatment based on the extracted digital data, the date and time information of the start of sensing and the information indicating the time interval of measurement associated with the extracted digital data.

[0096] In addition, the processing unit 32 generates a sensor information request including the patient ID for requesting sensor information and the information for requesting sensor information and destined for the dental storage device 4, based on the information for requesting to obtain the sensor information output by the operating unit 33 and the patient ID, through the operation of the operating unit 33 by the user such as a dentist. The processing unit 32 outputs the generated sensor information request to the communication unit 31. The processing unit 32 obtains the sensor information response sent by the dental storage device 4 from the communication unit 31 in response to the sensor information request. The processing unit 32 obtains the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the patient ID, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data contained in the obtained sensor information response. The processing unit 32 extracts the digital data required for the dental treatment of the patient PA from the obtained digital data. The processing unit 32 performs the analysis required for the dental treatment based on the extracted digital data, the date and time information of the start of sensing and the information indicating the time interval of measurement associated with the extracted digital data.

[0097] In addition, the processing unit 32 obtains the sensor information request sent by the doctor's terminal device 5 from the communication unit 31, changes the patient's name included in the obtained sensor information request to the corresponding patient ID, specifies the biological information according to the disease name, and outputs the sensor information request containing the specified biological information and destined for the dental storage device 4 to the communication unit 31. For example, the dental terminal device 3 builds a database that associates the disease name and the sensor data related to the disease. The processing unit 32 obtains the disease name included in the sensor information request, and obtains the sensor data associated with the obtained disease name.

[0098] Specifically, the processing unit 32 obtains the disease name A from the sensor information request, and can specify the temperature sensor data associated with the obtained disease name A. The processing unit 32 obtains the disease name B according to the sensor information request, and can specify the temperature sensor data and acceleration sensor data associated with the obtained disease name B. By configuring in this way, it is possible to eliminate the situation where the dentists provide information at their own discretion. That is, the disadvantage that the data provided by the dentists are different is eliminated. The processing unit 32 obtains the sensor information response sent by the dental storage device 4 from the communication unit 31 in response to the sensor information request. The processing unit 32 changes the patient ID contained in the obtained sensor information response to the name of the corresponding patient, and specifies the measurement date and time of each digital data based on the date and time information of the start of sensing and the information indicating the time interval of the measurement, and outputs the sensor information response containing the specified measurement date and time to the communication unit 31 with the doctor's terminal device 5 as the destination.

[0099] (Dental storage device 4)

[0100] The dental storage device 4 is implemented by a device such as a personal computer, a server, or an industrial computer. An example of the dental storage device 4 is a dental hospital or other hospital that performs dental examinations or treatments. In addition, the dental storage device 4 can also be implemented on a cloud service. The dental storage device 4 includes, for example, a communication unit 41, a processing unit 42, and a storage unit 45.

[0101] The communication unit 41 is implemented by a communication module. The communication unit 41 communicates with an external communication device via the network NW. The communication unit 41 may also communicate via a communication method such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 41 maintains the communication information required for communicating with the data acquisition device 2 and the dental storage device 4 via the network NW. Specifically, the communication unit 41 receives the sensor information sent by the data acquisition device 2. The communication unit 41 receives the sensor information request sent by the dentist's terminal device 3, and sends the sensor information response output by the processing unit 42 to the dentist's terminal device 3 in response to the received sensor information request.

[0102] The storage unit 45 is realized by a HDD, a flash memory, a RAM, a ROM, or the like.

[0103] The processing unit 42 is implemented by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 45. In addition, some or all of these functional units may be implemented by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, GPU, etc., or by a combination of software and hardware. The computer program may be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed by attaching the storage medium to the drive device.

[0104] The processing unit 42 obtains the sensor information received by the communication unit 41, and obtains the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the patient ID, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data contained in the obtained sensor information. The processing unit 42 associates the obtained date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the patient ID, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data, and stores them in the storage unit 45.

[0105] In addition, the processing unit 42 obtains the sensor information request received by the communication unit 41, and obtains the patient ID for requesting the sensor information and the information for requesting the sensor information contained in the obtained sensor information request. The processing unit 42 obtains the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data stored in association with the obtained patient ID. The dental storage device 4 generates a sensor information response that includes the patient ID, the obtained date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data and is destined for the dentist terminal device 3. The dental storage device 4 transmits the generated sensor information response to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0106] (Doctor's terminal device 5)

[0107] The doctor terminal device 5 is implemented by a personal computer, server, smartphone, tablet computer, industrial computer, etc. It is installed in a hospital such as a medical hospital where disease treatment is performed. The doctor terminal device 5 includes, for example, a communication unit 51, a processing unit 52, an operation unit 53, and a storage unit 55.

[0108] The communication unit 51 is implemented by a communication module. The communication unit 51 communicates with an external communication device via the network NW. The communication unit 51 may also communicate by a communication method such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 51 maintains the communication information required for communicating with the dentist's terminal device 3 via the network NW. Specifically, the communication unit 51 sends the sensor information request output by the processing unit 52 to the dentist's terminal device 3, and receives the sensor information response sent by the dentist's terminal device 3.

[0109] The operation unit 53 includes an input device and receives operations from a user such as a doctor. The input device includes a device for inputting character information such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, a button, a dial, a joystick, a touch sensor, a touch pad, etc. The doctor operates the operation unit 53 to input information requesting acquisition of sensor information and a patient ID.

[0110] The storage unit 55 is implemented by a HDD, a flash memory, a RAM, a ROM, or the like.

[0111] The processing unit 52 is implemented by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 55. In addition, some or all of these functional units may be implemented by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, GPU, etc., or by a combination of software and hardware. The computer program may be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed by attaching the storage medium to the drive device.

[0112] The user such as a doctor operates the operation unit 53, and the processing unit 52 obtains the disease name and the patient's name output by the operation unit 53. The processing unit 52 generates a sensor information request including the name and disease name of the patient for which sensor information is requested and directed to the dentist's terminal device 3. The processing unit 52 outputs the generated sensor information request to the communication unit 51. In response to the sensor information request, the processing unit 52 obtains the sensor information response sent by the dentist's terminal device 3 from the communication unit 51. The processing unit 52 obtains the patient's name, disease name, digital data, and information indicating the measurement date and time contained in the obtained sensor information response. The processing unit 52 performs treatment of the disease based on the obtained disease name, digital data, and information indicating the measurement date and time.

[0113] Next, the operation of the intra-oral sensing system 100 will be described.

[0114] (Operation of Intra-oral Sensing System 100)

[0115] Figure 7This is a flowchart showing Example 1 of the operation of the intra-oral sensing system according to the present embodiment.

[0116] (Step S1-1)

[0117] The patient PA wears the sensor module 1 .

[0118] (Step S2-1)

[0119] The data acquisition device 2 generates initial setting information including information on the date and time when sensing starts, information indicating the time interval between measurements, and the patient ID, and transmits the generated initial setting information to the sensor module 1 .

[0120] The sensor module 1 receives the initial setting information sent by the data acquisition device 2. The sensor module 1 acquires the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and the patient ID contained in the received initial setting information. The signal processing unit 14 stores the acquired date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and the patient ID in the memory 15. In addition, the signal processing unit 14 sets the acquired information indicating the time interval of measurement to the sensor 12.

[0121] The sensor 12 acquires sensing data at a period corresponding to the measured time interval. The sensor 12 outputs the acquired sensing data to the sensor module unit 13. The signal processing unit 14 acquires the sensing data output by the sensor 12 and converts the acquired sensing data into digital data. The signal processing unit 14 associates the digital data obtained by converting the sensing data with the measurement index and stores it in the memory 15. The sensor module 1 associates the digital data in daily life during a predetermined period such as 15 to 30 days with the measurement index and stores it in the memory 15.

[0122] (Step S3-1)

[0123] After a predetermined period of time has passed, the patient PA comes to the dental clinic, and the dentist takes out the sensor module 1 .

[0124] The dentist terminal device 3 generates a sensor information acquisition request based on an operation by a user such as a dentist, and transmits the generated sensor information acquisition request to the data acquisition device 2 .

[0125] The data acquisition device 2 receives the sensor information acquisition request transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3 , generates a command indicating acquisition of sensor information based on the received sensor information acquisition request, and transmits the generated command to the sensor module 1 .

[0126] In the sensor module 1, the radio transceiver 16 receives the command sent by the data acquisition device 2. The signal processing unit 14 receives the command received by the radio transceiver 16, and when the received command is to obtain sensor information, generates sensor information that includes information that associates the sensing start date and time information, information indicating the measurement time interval, patient ID, sensor module 1 ID, measurement index, and digital data stored in the memory 15, and is destined for the data acquisition device 2. The signal processing unit 14 outputs the generated sensor information to the radio transceiver 16. The radio transceiver 16 receives the sensor information output by the signal processing unit 14, and transmits the acquired sensor information to the data acquisition device 2. The data acquisition device 2 receives the sensor information sent by the sensor module 1.

[0127] (Step S4-1)

[0128] The dentist terminal device 3 generates a sensor information request based on an operation by a user such as a dentist, and transmits the generated sensor information request to the data acquisition device 2 .

[0129] The data acquisition device 2 generates a sensor information response based on the sensor information request transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3. The data acquisition device 2 transmits the generated sensor information response to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0130] The dentist's terminal device 3 receives the sensor information response sent by the data acquisition device 2 in response to the sensor information request. The dentist's terminal device 3 obtains the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the patient ID, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index and the digital data contained in the received sensor information response. The dentist's terminal device 3 extracts the digital data required for the dental treatment of the patient PA from the acquired digital data. The dentist's terminal device 3 performs the analysis required for the dental treatment based on the extracted digital data and the date and time information of the start of sensing and the information indicating the time interval of measurement associated with the extracted digital data. For example, the dentist's terminal device 3 calculates the time that the patient PA wears the corrective appliance based on the temperature information, or calculates the number of times the patient PA chews based on the acceleration information. Then, transfer to step S1-1.

[0131] Based on the analysis results of the dentist's terminal device 3, the dentist formulates a treatment plan for a predetermined period of time such as the next 15 to 30 days. The patient PA wears the sensor module 1 in the oral cavity again to obtain digital data of daily life for a predetermined period of time such as the next 15 to 30 days. Thereafter, this step is repeated.

[0132] (Step S5-1)

[0133] The data acquisition device 2 stores the received sensor information in the dental storage device 4 .

[0134] (Step S6-1)

[0135] The patient had a PA attack.

[0136] (Step S7-1)

[0137] Patient PA went to the Medical Hospital MC for treatment.

[0138] (Step S8-1)

[0139] The doctor determines whether the patient's PA biometric information before the onset of the disease is necessary. If it is determined that the biometric information is not necessary, the process ends.

[0140] (Step S9-1)

[0141] When the doctor determines that the biometric information of the patient PA before the onset of the disease is necessary, the doctor entrusts the dental hospital to provide the biometric information. Specifically, based on the operation of the user such as the doctor, the doctor terminal device 5 generates a sensor information request including the patient's name and disease name and with the dentist terminal device 3 as the destination, and sends the generated sensor information request to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0142] (Step S10-1)

[0143] The dentist's terminal device 3 receives the sensor information request sent by the doctor's terminal device 5, changes the patient's name contained in the received sensor information request to the corresponding patient ID, specifies the living body information according to the disease name, and forwards the sensor information request containing the specified living body information and with the dental storage device 4 as the destination to the dental storage device 4.

[0144] The dental storage device 4 receives the sensor information request forwarded by the dentist terminal device 3, and obtains the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and the digital data stored in association with the patient ID based on the patient ID and the biological information contained in the received sensor information request. The dental storage device 4 generates a sensor information response to the dentist terminal device 3, which includes the patient ID, the obtained date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and the digital data. The dental storage device 4 transmits the generated sensor information response to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0145] The dentist's terminal device 3 receives the sensor information response sent by the dental storage device 4. The dentist's terminal device 3 changes the patient ID included in the received sensor information response to the name of the corresponding patient, and specifies the measurement date and time of each digital data based on the date and time information of the start of sensing and the information indicating the time interval of measurement, and forwards the sensor information response including the specified measurement date and time to the doctor's terminal device 5, with the doctor's terminal device 5 as the destination.

[0146] (Step S11-1)

[0147] The doctor terminal device 5 receives the sensor information response forwarded by the dentist terminal device 3. The doctor terminal device 5 obtains the patient's name, disease name, digital data, and information indicating the measurement date and time contained in the received sensor information response. The doctor treats the disease based on the obtained disease name, digital data, and information indicating the measurement date and time.

[0148] As an example, a case where the sensor module 1 is provided in an orthodontic appliance will be described.

[0149] When starting treatment, the dentist first measures the initial position of the patient PA's teeth, and calculates the final tooth position through the orthodontic design system. The orthodontic design system calculates the treatment plan based on the initial and final tooth positions, and produces initial orthodontic appliance production data. Here, the initial orthodontic appliance production data may not be one, and multiple orthodontic appliance production data may be generated. The generated orthodontic appliance production data is sent to the orthodontic appliance production system, and the orthodontic appliance production system produces the orthodontic appliance.

[0150] The patient PA wears the manufactured orthodontic appliance. The treatment starts when the patient PA wears the orthodontic appliance. The patient PA wears the orthodontic appliance for a predetermined period such as the wearing time instructed by the dentist. Here, in the case where the patient PA is a child, the wearing time may be less than the predetermined period such as the wearing time instructed by the dentist.

[0151] Patient PA visits the dentist regularly and asks for confirmation of the dental condition. The dentist connects the sensor module 1 set on the orthodontic appliance taken out from the patient PA to the data acquisition device 2. The data acquisition device 2 obtains the sensor information stored in the sensor module 1. Based on the extracted sensor information, the inherent wearing trend of the patient PA is calculated. The dental condition checked by the dentist is added to the calculation result of the wearing trend, and the dental correction design system recalculates the treatment plan data. Based on the recalculated data, three-dimensional data of the dental correction appliance is generated. The dental correction design system forwards the generated three-dimensional data to the dental correction appliance manufacturing system.

[0152] The orthodontic appliance generation system receives the three-dimensional data sent by the orthodontic design system. The orthodontic appliance generation system generates the next orthodontic appliance based on the received three-dimensional data. The treatment is started again using the next orthodontic appliance generated by the orthodontic appliance system.

[0153] Thereafter, the patient PA visits the dentist regularly to repeat the above procedure. When the tooth position reaches the final position, the treatment is completed.

[0154] Next, a description will be given of a case in which a patient PA using the intra-oral sensing system 100 visits a medical hospital due to an attack of a disease.

[0155] The doctor determines that the patient's daily vital information such as body temperature, exercise volume, blood flow, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, bacteria, etc. before the onset of the PA disease is necessary. The doctor entrusts the dental hospital to forward the vital information of the patient PA. Here, the vital information is the vital information that the doctor determines to be necessary. The dentist who receives the entrustment to forward the vital information of the patient PA, by operating the dentist's terminal device 3, obtains the vital information of the patient PA that the doctor considers necessary from the dental storage device 4, and forwards the obtained vital information to the doctor's terminal device 5.

[0156] The doctor terminal device 5 receives the biological information transferred by the dentist terminal device 3. The doctor who received the biological information formulates a treatment plan or a treatment method based on the temporal changes in the biological information of the patient PA.

[0157] exist Figure 7 In the flowchart shown, a case where a doctor in a medical hospital where patient PA is treated determines that pre-onset living body information is necessary is described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, digital data required for disease treatment of patient PA may be extracted from digital data obtained by sensor information response at a dental hospital, and the extracted digital data, information on the date and time when sensing starts and information indicating the time interval of measurement associated with the extracted digital data may be used for analysis to determine whether patient PA is suspected of having a disease. Furthermore, in the case where patient PA is suspected of having a disease, the dental hospital may contact the medical hospital to inform the patient PA that the disease is suspected. An example of processing in this case will be described.

[0158] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing Example 2 of the operation of the intra-oral sensing system according to the present embodiment.

[0159] Steps S1-2 to S3-2 can be applied Figure 7 Step S1-1 to step S3-1.

[0160] Although not shown in the figure, after step S3-1, Figure 7 The same processing as step S4-1 is performed. Specifically, the dentist's terminal device 3 generates a sensor information request based on the operation of the user such as the dentist, and sends the generated sensor information request to the data acquisition device 2. The data acquisition device 2 generates a sensor information response based on the sensor information request sent by the dentist's terminal device 3. The data acquisition device 2 sends the generated sensor information response to the dentist's terminal device 3.

[0161] The dentist's terminal device 3 receives the sensor information response sent by the data acquisition device 2 in response to the sensor information request. The dentist's terminal device 3 obtains the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the patient ID, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index and the digital data contained in the received sensor information response. The dentist's terminal device 3 extracts the digital data required for the dental treatment of the patient PA from the acquired digital data. The dentist's terminal device 3 performs the analysis required for the dental treatment based on the extracted digital data, the date and time information of the start of sensing associated with the extracted digital data and the information indicating the time interval of measurement. For example, the dentist's terminal device 3 calculates the time that the patient PA wears the corrective appliance based on the temperature information, or calculates the number of times the patient PA chews based on the acceleration information. Then, transfer to step S1-1.

[0162] Based on the analysis results of the dentist's terminal device 3, the dentist formulates a treatment plan for a predetermined period of time such as the next 15 to 30 days. The patient PA wears the sensor module 1 in the oral cavity again to obtain digital data of daily life for a predetermined period of time such as the next 15 to 30 days. Thereafter, this step is repeated.

[0163] (Step S4-2)

[0164] The data acquisition device 2 stores the received sensor information in the dental storage device 4 .

[0165] (Step S5-2)

[0166] The dentist terminal device 3 generates a sensor information request based on an operation by a user such as a dentist, and transmits the generated sensor information request to the data acquisition device 2 .

[0167] The data acquisition device 2 generates a sensor information response based on the sensor information request transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3. The data acquisition device 2 transmits the generated sensor information response to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0168] (Step S6-2)

[0169] The dentist's terminal device 3 receives the sensor information response sent by the data acquisition device 2 in response to the sensor information request. The dentist's terminal device 3 acquires the patient ID, the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data contained in the received sensor information response. The processing unit 32 of the dentist's terminal device 3 uses the acquired digital data, the date and time information of the start of sensing associated with the digital data, and the information indicating the time interval of measurement to perform analysis. The processing unit 32 determines whether a disease is suspected based on the analysis result. If it is determined that there is no suspicion of a disease, the processing ends.

[0170] (Step S7-2)

[0171] In the dentist terminal device 3, when the processing unit 32 determines that a patient is suspected of having a disease, the processing unit 32 generates disease information including the patient's name and the name of the suspected disease, which is destined for the doctor terminal device 5. The processing unit 32 outputs the generated disease information to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 obtains the disease information output by the processing unit 32, and transmits the obtained disease information to the doctor terminal device 5. When the processing unit 32 notifies the doctor terminal device 5 of the disease information, it associates the patient ID, the name of the suspected disease, the date and time of occurrence of the disease, and the name of the notified medical hospital MC, and stores them in the dental storage device 4.

[0172] (Step S8-2)

[0173] The doctor terminal device 5 receives the disease information transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3. In the medical hospital, the patient PA included in the disease information is contacted and advised to see a doctor.

[0174] (Step S9-2)

[0175] Patients PA who were advised by the Medical Hospital MC to see a doctor were seen at the Medical Hospital MC.

[0176] Steps S10-2 to S12-2 can be applied Figure 7 Step S9-1 to step S11-1.

[0177] in accordance with Figure 8 In the process shown, the dental hospital DC can determine whether the patient PA is suspected of having a disease based on the biometric information of the patient PA. Therefore, the dentist can inform the doctor that the patient PA disease may occur at the pre-disease stage.

[0178] In addition, for example, the dental hospital DC may extract digital data required for disease treatment of the patient PA from the digital data obtained by the sensor information response, and use the extracted digital data, the date and time information of the start of sensing associated with the extracted digital data, and the information indicating the time interval of measurement to analyze and determine whether the patient PA is suspected of having a disease. Furthermore, if the patient PA is suspected of having a disease, the dental hospital DC notifies the patient PA of the suspected disease. An example of processing in this case will be described.

[0179] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing Example 3 of the operation of the intra-oral sensing system according to the present embodiment.

[0180] Steps S1-3 to S3-3 can be applied Figure 7 Steps S1-1 to S3-1, and steps S4-3 to S6-3 can be applied Figure 8 Step S4-2 to step S6-2.

[0181] (Step S7-3)

[0182] In the dental clinic DC, when the processing unit 32 determines that the patient PA is suspected of having a disease, it notifies the patient PA of the suspected disease.

[0183] (Step S8-3)

[0184] Patient PA, who was notified by Dental Hospital DC of suspected illness, was seen at Medical Hospital MC.

[0185] Steps S9-3 to S11-3 can be applied Figure 7 Step S9-1 to step S11-1.

[0186] in accordance with Fig. 9 According to the flow shown, the dental hospital can determine whether the patient PA is suspected of having a disease based on the biological information. Therefore, the dentist can inform the patient PA that the disease may occur at the pre-disease stage when the patient PA has not yet developed the disease.

[0187] In the above embodiment, the sensor information is sent from the sensor module 1 to the data acquisition device 2, and the sensor information is sent from the data acquisition device 2 to one or both of the dentist terminal device 3 and the dental storage device 4, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the sensor information may be sent from the sensor module 1 to the dental storage device 4. With such a configuration, the dentist terminal device 3 can acquire the sensor information stored in the sensor module 1 without using the data acquisition device 2. An example of processing in this case will be described.

[0188] Fig.10This is a flowchart showing Example 4 of the operation of the intra-oral sensing system according to the present embodiment. Fig.10 The operation after the initial setting of the sensor module 1 is completed and the sensor module 1 is worn in the oral cavity is shown.

[0189] Steps S1-4 can be applied Figure 7 Step S2-1.

[0190] (Step S2-4)

[0191] After a predetermined period of time, the patient PA comes to the dental clinic DC, where the dentist takes out the sensor module 1 .

[0192] The dentist terminal device 3 generates a sensor information acquisition request based on an operation by a user such as a dentist, and transmits the generated sensor information acquisition request to the sensor module 1 .

[0193] In the sensor module 1 , the wireless transceiver 16 receives the sensor information acquisition request transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3 .

[0194] (Step S3-4)

[0195] In the sensor module 1, the signal processing unit 14 obtains the sensor information acquisition request received by the radio transceiver unit 16, and based on the obtained sensor information acquisition request, generates sensor information including information associating the sensing start date and time information, information indicating the measurement time interval, the patient ID, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data stored in the memory 15, and the destination of the sensor information is the dentist terminal device 3. The signal processing unit 14 outputs the generated sensor information to the radio transceiver unit 16. The radio transceiver unit 16 obtains the sensor information output by the signal processing unit 14, and transmits the obtained sensor information to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0196] (Step S4-4)

[0197] The dentist's terminal device 3 receives the sensor information transmitted by the sensor module 1 .

[0198] (Step S5-4)

[0199] The dentist's terminal device 3 transmits the received sensor information to the dental storage device 4 .

[0200] (Step S6-4)

[0201] The dental storage device 4 receives the sensor information transmitted from the dentist's terminal device 3 .

[0202] (Step S7-4)

[0203] The dental storage device 4 associates and stores the sensing start date and time information, information indicating the measurement time interval, the patient ID, the sensor module 1 ID, the measurement index, and the digital data included in the received sensor information.

[0204] (Step S8-4)

[0205] In the dentist's terminal device 3, the processing unit 32 obtains the sensor information received by the communication unit 31, and obtains the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the patient ID, the ID of the sensor module 1, the measurement index, and the digital data contained in the obtained sensor information. The processing unit 32 uses the obtained digital data, the date and time information of the start of sensing associated with the digital data, and the information indicating the time interval of measurement to perform analysis. Specifically, in the dentist's terminal device 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in step S4-1, the processing unit 32 performs dental treatment analysis. Furthermore, the dentist terminal device 3 analyzes the suspected medical disease. In the dentist terminal device 3, when analyzing the suspected medical disease, the processing unit 32 uses the medical disease database or artificial intelligence learned in a way that can analyze medical diseases to analyze the sensor information to determine which medical disease is suspected, thereby analyzing the medical disease.

[0206] (Step S9-4)

[0207] In the dentist terminal device 3, the processing unit 32 determines whether the patient PA is suspected of having a disease based on the analysis result. If it is determined that the patient PA is not suspected of having a disease, the processing ends.

[0208] (Step S10-4)

[0209] In the dentist terminal device 3 , when determining that the patient PA is suspected of having a disease, the processing unit 32 generates disease information including the patient ID of the patient PA and information indicating that the patient PA is suspected of having a disease, and the information is sent to the doctor terminal device 5 .

[0210] (Step S11-4)

[0211] In the dentist terminal device 3, the processing unit 32 outputs the generated disease information to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 acquires the disease information output by the processing unit 32, and transmits the acquired disease information to the doctor terminal device 5.

[0212] (Step S12-4)

[0213] In the dental terminal device 3, the processing unit 32 generates medical hospital information with the dental storage device 4 as the destination, including information indicating the contact address of the medical hospital MC corresponding to the doctor terminal device 5 notified of the disease information, the patient ID, the name of the disease that may occur, and information indicating the date and time when the disease occurs. The processing unit 32 outputs the generated medical hospital information to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the medical hospital information output by the processing unit 32 to the dental storage device 4.

[0214] (Step S13-4)

[0215] In the dental storage device 4, the communication unit 41 receives the medical hospital information transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3. The processing unit 42 obtains the information indicating the contact address of the medical hospital MC, the patient ID, the name of the disease that may occur, and the information indicating the date and time when the disease occurs, which are included in the medical hospital information received by the communication unit 41. The processing unit 42 stores the information indicating the contact address of the medical hospital MC, the name of the disease that may occur, and the information indicating the date and time when the disease occurs, in association with the patient ID that is the same as the obtained patient ID among the patient IDs stored in the storage unit 45.

[0216] (Step S14-4)

[0217] In the doctor terminal device 5, the communication unit 51 receives the disease information transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3. The processing unit 52 acquires the disease information received by the communication unit 51, and advises the patient PA to visit the medical hospital MC based on the name of the patient PA included in the acquired disease information.

[0218] Patient PA who is advised to see a doctor at medical hospital MC goes to medical hospital MC for treatment. The doctor determines that sensor information is necessary.

[0219] The doctor requests the dental hospital DC to provide biological information. Specifically, based on the operation of the user such as the doctor, the doctor terminal device 5 generates a sensor information request including the name of the patient PA, the name of the disease, and information indicating the information provision period, to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0220] (Step S15-4)

[0221] The doctor terminal device 5 transmits the generated sensor information request to the dentist terminal device 3 .

[0222] (Step S16-4)

[0223] In the dentist terminal device 3, the communication unit 31 receives the sensor information request sent by the doctor terminal device 5. The processing unit 32 specifies the patient ID corresponding to the name of the patient PA included in the sensor information request received by the communication unit 31, and specifies the required biological information based on the disease name. The processing unit 32 outputs the sensor information request containing the specified patient ID and biological information to the communication unit 31, and the destination is the dental storage device 4. The communication unit 31 obtains the sensor information request output by the processing unit 32, and sends the obtained sensor information request to the dental storage device 4.

[0224] (Step S17-4)

[0225] In the dental storage device 4, the communication unit 41 receives the sensor information request sent by the dentist terminal device 3. The processing unit 42 obtains the sensor information request received by the communication unit 41. The processing unit 42 obtains the patient ID and the biological information included in the obtained sensor information request, and obtains information corresponding to the obtained biological information, the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the ID of the sensor module 1, and the measurement index from the storage unit 45 among the digital data stored in association with the patient ID that is the same as the obtained patient ID. The processing unit 42 generates a sensor information response that includes the patient ID, the obtained digital data, the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the ID of the sensor module 1, and the measurement index, and is addressed to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0226] (Step S18-4)

[0227] In the dental storage device 4, the processing unit 42 outputs the generated sensor information response to the communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 acquires the sensor information response output by the processing unit 42, and transmits the acquired sensor information response to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0228] (Step S19-4)

[0229] In the dentist's terminal device 3, the communication unit 31 receives the sensor information response sent by the dental storage device 4. The processing unit 32 obtains the sensor information response received by the communication unit 31. The processing unit 32 calculates the measurement date and time of each digital data based on the date and time information of the start of sensing, the information indicating the time interval of measurement, the measurement index and the digital data contained in the obtained sensor information response. In addition, the processing unit 32 specifies the name of the patient PA corresponding to the patient ID. The processing unit 32 generates a sensor information response containing the specified patient's name, disease name, measurement date and time and digital data, with the doctor's terminal device 5 as the destination. The processing unit 32 outputs the generated sensor information response to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 sends the sensor information response output by the processing unit 32 to the doctor's terminal device 5.

[0230] (Step S20-4)

[0231] In the doctor terminal device 5, the communication unit 51 receives the sensor information response transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3. The processing unit 52 acquires the sensor information response received by the communication unit 51. The processing unit 52 outputs the patient's name, disease name, measurement date and time, and digital data included in the acquired sensor information response.

[0232] The doctor reflects the patient's name, disease name, measurement date and time, and digital data output by the doctor's terminal device 5 during treatment.

[0233] (Step S21-4)

[0234] In the dental terminal device 3, the processing unit 32 specifies the patient ID corresponding to the patient's name included in the sensor information response sent to the doctor terminal device 5 and the ID of the sensor module 1. The processing unit 32 generates the treatment hospital information including the patient ID, the disease name, the occurrence date and time, and the name of the medical hospital that sent the sensor information response, with the dental storage device 4 as the destination. The processing unit 32 outputs the generated treatment hospital information to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 obtains the treatment hospital information output by the processing unit 32, and sends the obtained medical hospital information to the dental storage device 4.

[0235] (Step S22-4)

[0236] In the dental storage device 4, the communication unit 41 receives the treatment hospital information transmitted from the dental terminal device 3. The processing unit 42 obtains the patient ID, disease name, occurrence date and time, and the name of the hospital that sent the sensor information response included in the treatment hospital information received by the communication unit 41. The processing unit 42 stores the obtained disease name, occurrence date and time, and the name of the hospital that sent the sensor information response in association with the patient ID that is the same as the obtained patient ID among the patient IDs stored in the storage unit 45.

[0237] (Step S23-4)

[0238] In the doctor terminal device 5, the processing unit 52 generates treatment information including the name of the patient PA, the name of the disease, information indicating the date and time of occurrence, the name of the medical hospital, and treatment information, with the dentist terminal device 3 as the destination, based on the operation of the user such as the doctor. The processing unit 52 outputs the generated treatment information to the communication unit 51. The communication unit 51 generates the treatment information output by the processing unit 52, and transmits the generated treatment information to the dentist terminal device 3.

[0239] (Step S24-4)

[0240] In the dental terminal device 3, the communication unit 31 receives the treatment information transmitted from the doctor terminal device 5. The processing unit 32 specifies the patient ID corresponding to the name of the patient PA included in the treatment information received by the communication unit 31. The processing unit 32 generates treatment information including the specified patient ID, the disease name, the information indicating the date and time of occurrence, the name of the medical hospital, and the treatment information, with the dental storage device 4 as the destination. The processing unit 32 outputs the generated treatment information to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 obtains the treatment information output by the processing unit 32, and transmits the obtained treatment information to the dental storage device 4.

[0241] (Step S25-4)

[0242] In the dental storage device 4, the communication unit 41 receives the treatment information transmitted from the dentist terminal device 3. The processing unit 42 obtains the patient ID, the disease name, the information indicating the date and time of occurrence, the name of the medical hospital, and the treatment information contained in the treatment information received by the communication unit 41. The processing unit 42 stores the obtained disease name, the information indicating the date and time of occurrence, the name of the medical hospital, and the treatment information in association with the patient ID that is the same as the obtained patient ID among the patient IDs stored in the storage unit 45.

[0243] In the above embodiment, the case where the data acquisition device 2, the dentist terminal device 3, the dental storage device 4, and the doctor terminal device 5 are connected via the network NW is described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the data acquisition device 2, the dental storage device 4, and the doctor terminal device 5 may each be connected to the dentist terminal device 3 by wire. The data acquisition device 2, the dentist terminal device 3, the dental storage device 4, and the doctor terminal device 5 are connected via the network NW, so that even if the patient PA goes to a remote place, the dentist and the doctor can access the digital data of the patient PA. Therefore, it is possible to make a great contribution to the treatment of the disease of the patient PA.

[0244] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the sensor module 1 and the data acquisition device 2 are connected by radio is described, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the sensor module 1 and the data acquisition device 2 can also be connected by wire. In this case, the sensor module part 13 replaces the radio transceiver part 16 and has a module for transmitting and receiving in a wired manner. In the case of having a module for transmitting and receiving in a wired manner, it is necessary to set the connector part connecting the sensor module 1 and the data acquisition device 2 to a waterproof structure. An example of a waterproof mechanism is to provide an opening and closing mechanism such as a cover on the connector part. The opening and closing mechanism is opened when digital data is read from the sensor module 1 to the data acquisition device 2, and is closed when the sensor module 1 is set in the oral cavity. By establishing a radio connection between the sensor module 1 and the data acquisition device 2, the waterproof structure can be simplified.

[0245] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the sensor module 1 is provided in the implant IN is described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, it is also applicable to the case where the sensor module 1 is provided on a denture. When the sensor module 1 is worn on the denture, the sensor module 1 is provided in the denture. When the sensor module 1 is provided in the denture, and the sensor module 1 is equipped with at least one of a pulse sensor that uses light to measure the pulse, a pulse oximeter that uses light to measure the blood oxygen concentration, a heart rate sensor that uses light to measure the heart rate, and a laser sensor that uses laser to measure the blood flow, in order to obtain information from the blood vessels in the gum part, it is preferably provided in a part corresponding to the gum.

[0246] Furthermore, when the sensor module 1 is equipped with a sensor using light or laser, since light transmission is essential, at least a portion of the denture needs to be made of a material that can transmit any light wavelength of 400 nm to 1000 nm.

[0247] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an analysis program for deriving the possibility of a disease from the daily changes in vital information may also be installed in the dentist's terminal device 3. The names of the diseases of the patients PA and the daily changes in vital information of the patients PA suggested by the doctors or dentists are accumulated in the dental storage device 4. The dentist's terminal device 3 can infer the possibility of the disease of the patients PA from the changes in vital information by deeply learning the names of the diseases of the patients PA and the daily changes in vital information of the patients PA. With such a configuration, the dentist's terminal device 3 automatically selects the possibility of the disease of the patients PA, so the dentist can obtain the possibility of the disease of the patients PA without having to check the daily vital information of the patients PA one by one. Therefore, the risk of misdiagnosis by the doctor can be reduced.

[0248] According to the intraoral sensing system 100 of this embodiment, the sensor module 1 including the sensor 12 is mounted on the dentures, implants, and correction devices required for intraoral treatment required in daily life. With such a configuration, in addition to obtaining the bio-information originally intended for dental treatment, it is also possible to obtain the bio-information of daily life that is different from dental treatment. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the changes in the bio-information of the daily life of the patient PA. In the past, the patient PA only obtained the bio-information related to a certain disease after suffering from the disease, so it was difficult to grasp whether the information was caused by the disease or the personal characteristics of the patient.

[0249] However, according to the intraoral sensing system 100, it is possible to obtain biological information from the sensor module 1 installed in the correction device, denture, or implant used daily, so the doctor's terminal device 5 can analyze the change of biological information by obtaining the biological information obtained by the sensor module 1. Therefore, it is possible to make a great contribution to the treatment of diseases.

[0250] According to the intraoral sensing system 100 of this embodiment, since biometric information can be acquired in time series, changes in biometric information of the patient PA can be read. In the past, biometric information related to a disease was acquired after the patient PA contracted the disease, and thus only biometric information at the time of measurement could be acquired.

[0251] According to the intraoral sensing system 100 of this embodiment, by installing a sensor module 1 including a sensor 12 in a device used for intraoral treatment such as an orthodontic device, a denture, an implant, etc., it is possible to obtain daily living body information. Therefore, medical cooperation between dentistry and medicine can be sought, and the onset of a disease can be clarified. Therefore, it is possible to bring about a huge change in medical diagnosis. In the past, the living body information required for dental treatment was obtained by installing sensors in a dental hospital, and the data required for medical treatment was measured by installing sensors in a medical hospital.

[0252] According to the intraoral sensing system 100 of this embodiment, a temperature sensor is used as the sensor 12 to measure the time the correction device is worn, so that it can be used not only for intraoral correction treatment but also for monitoring daily body temperature changes.

[0253] According to the intra-oral sensing system 100 of this embodiment, an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor are used as the sensor 12, so that in addition to counting the number of chewing times, the number of steps, the amount of activity, the jaw movement, bruxism, and the number of chewing and swallowing times can also be measured.

[0254] According to the intra-oral sensing system 100 of this embodiment, a pressure sensor and a strain sensor are used on the sensor 12, so that in addition to measuring the force applied to teeth, dentures, or implants, it is also possible to measure the force applied to the teeth by the corrective appliance, measure bruxism, measure the bite force, measure the number of chewing times, and measure the time the corrective appliance is worn.

[0255] According to the intra-oral sensing system 100 of the present embodiment, the sensor module 1 is provided with a wireless transceiver 16, so that the sensor information can be sent to the outside without providing a connector for digital data reading in the sensor module 1. Since it is not necessary to provide a connector in the sensor module 1, a waterproof structure that completely covers the sensor module 1 can be adopted. Assuming that the sensor module 1 is provided with a connector for digital data reading and the sensor information is sent to the outside in a wired manner, the sensor module 1 needs to be waterproofed because it is provided in the oral cavity. Usually, an opening and closing mechanism such as a cover is provided in the connector part, and a mechanism is adopted that is opened when reading digital data and closed when it is provided in the oral cavity. The sensor module 1 provided in the oral cavity is very small, so it is technically difficult to implement a waterproof cover mechanism.

[0256] According to the intra-oral sensing system 100 of the present embodiment, the sensor module 1 is provided with a memory 15, and the digital data sensed by the sensor 12 can be stored. Furthermore, when the correction device, denture, or implant is removed from the oral cavity, the digital data stored in the memory 15 can be sent to the outside. Therefore, time series data without any omissions in time can be obtained. Assuming that the sensor module 1 does not have the memory 15, the digital data sensed by the sensor 12 needs to be wirelessly transmitted to the outside without being stored, and the sensor module 1 is set in the oral cavity, so there is a concern that the radio waves are difficult to be sent to the outside of the oral cavity and the data is not sent.

[0257] Furthermore, when data is transmitted by radio each time sensing is performed, the energy consumption of the battery increases. According to the intraoral sensing system 100 of this embodiment, when the correction device, denture, or implant is removed from the oral cavity, the digital data stored in the memory 15 can be transmitted by radio, thereby achieving less energy consumption of the battery. Therefore, the life of the battery energy can be extended.

[0258] (Modification of the embodiment)

[0259] Modifications of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Configurations having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions of the configurations may be omitted.

[0260] In the embodiment, digital data is stored in the memory 15 of the sensor module 1, but it is difficult for the patient PA to confirm whether the sensor module 1 is operating. In a modified example of the embodiment, the patient PA can confirm whether the sensor module 1 is operating.

[0261] (Intraoral Sensing System)

[0262] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing an example of an intra-oral sensing system according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention. An intra-oral sensing system 100a according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention senses living body information by a sensor module provided in the oral cavity.

[0263] The intra-oral sensing system 100 a includes: a sensor module 1 a ; a data acquisition device 2 ; a dentist terminal device 3 ; a dental storage device 4 ; a doctor terminal device 5 ; and a terminal device 10 .

[0264] The sensor module 1 a generates a confirmation signal for notifying that the sensor module 1 a is operating, and transmits the generated confirmation signal by radio.

[0265] The terminal device 10 is carried by a patient PA wearing the sensor module 1a, for example. The terminal device 10 receives a confirmation signal transmitted by the sensor module 1a via radio. When receiving the confirmation signal, the terminal device 10 outputs information indicating that the confirmation signal has been received. The terminal device 10 receives an action confirmation signal transmitted by the sensor module 1a, thereby confirming the action of the sensor module 1a.

[0266] Hereinafter, an intra-oral sensing system 100a according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described, in which a sensor module 1a and a terminal device 10 different from those in the embodiment are provided.

[0267] Fig.12 This is a block diagram showing a sensor module and a terminal device constituting an intra-oral sensing system according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0268] (Sensor module 1a)

[0269] The sensor module 1a is applicable to the sensor module 1. However, the sensor module 1a is different in that a signal processing unit 14a is provided instead of the signal processing unit 14.

[0270] The signal processing unit 14 a can be applied to the signal processing unit 14 . However, the signal processing unit 14 a generates a confirmation signal and outputs the generated confirmation signal to the wireless transmission and reception unit 16 .

[0271] The radio transmission and reception unit 16 radio-transmits the confirmation signal output by the signal processing unit 14 a .

[0272] (Terminal device 10)

[0273] The terminal device 10 is implemented by a device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. The terminal device 10 includes, for example, a communication unit 17 , a processing unit 18 , and a storage unit 19 .

[0274] The communication unit 17 is implemented by a communication module. The communication unit 17 communicates with an external communication device. The communication unit 17 may also communicate by a communication method such as BLE. The communication unit 17 stores communication information required for communicating with the sensor module 1a. The communication unit 17 receives a confirmation signal sent by the sensor module 1a.

[0275] The storage unit 19 is implemented by a HDD, a flash memory, a RAM, a ROM, or the like.

[0276] The processing unit 18 is implemented by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 19. In addition, some or all of these functional units may be implemented by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, GPU, etc., or by a combination of software and hardware. The computer program may be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed by attaching the storage medium to the drive device.

[0277] The processing unit 18 obtains the confirmation signal received by the communication unit 17. Based on the obtained confirmation signal, the processing unit 18 outputs information indicating that the confirmation signal has been obtained. Here, the processing unit 18 may output the information indicating that the confirmation signal has been obtained to a display unit (not shown) or may output the information in the form of sound from a speaker (not shown).

[0278] In the modified example of the above embodiment, the case where the sensor module 1a sends a confirmation signal is described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the sensor module 1a may also send a beacon signal containing predetermined information such as digital data and data indicating the processed wearing time. In this case, the terminal device 10 may also receive the beacon signal sent by the sensor module 1a to understand whether the sensor module 1 is operating.

[0279] Alternatively, for example, instead of transmitting and receiving radio data between the sensor module 1a and the terminal device 10, the sensor module 1a may transmit a beacon signal including predetermined information, and the terminal device 10 may receive the beacon signal. With this configuration, the power consumption of the sensor module 1a can be reduced.

[0280] According to the intra-oral sensing system 100a of the modified example of the embodiment, the sensor module 1a sends an action confirmation signal, and the terminal device 10 receives the action confirmation signal sent by the sensor module 1a. With this configuration, a person carrying the terminal device 10, such as a patient PA, can know whether the sensor module 1a is in action. The digital data is stored in the memory 15 of the sensor module 1, and it is difficult for the patient PA to confirm whether the sensor module 1 is in action. However, by sending an action confirmation signal from the radio transceiver unit and receiving the signal by the portable terminal owned by the patient PA, the patient PA can know the action status of the sensor module.

[0281] The embodiments of the present invention are described above, but these embodiments are only presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In the embodiments and their variations, for example, solutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art, substantially the same solutions, solutions of the same scope, etc. are included.

[0282] For example, a computer program for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer system may read and execute the computer program recorded on the recording medium. In addition, the "computer system" mentioned here may also include hardware such as OS or external devices.

[0283] In addition, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system.

[0284] Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a recording medium that temporarily stores a program, such as a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside a computer system that serves as a server or client when a computer program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0285] In addition, the above-mentioned program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or a carrier wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

[0286] The above-mentioned program may be a part for realizing the above-mentioned functions, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions by combining with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0287] Description of symbols

[0288] 100, 100a intraoral sensing system; 1, 1a sensor module; 2 data acquisition device; 3 terminal device for dentists; 4 dental storage device; 5 terminal device for doctors; 10 terminal device; 11 battery; 12 sensor; 13 sensor module unit; 14, 14a signal processing unit; 15 memory; 16 radio transceiver unit; 17 communication unit; 18 processing unit; 19 storage unit; 21 tooth guard; 61 head, 62 screw unit; 63 implant; 64 bone.

Claims

1. An intra-oral sensing system, which senses living body information by a sensor module arranged in the oral cavity, has: A sensor module is worn in the patient's mouth and stores data obtained by sensing living body information; a storage device for acquiring the data stored in the sensor module and the identification information of the patient, and storing the acquired data and the identification information of the patient in association with each other; A dentist's terminal device that analyzes the data stored in the storage device according to identification information of each patient, the dentist's terminal device constructs a database that associates disease names with sensor data related to the disease, and a processing unit of the dentist's terminal device uses the database to analyze the living body information to determine which medical disease is suspected to be caused, thereby performing medical disease analysis; as well as A doctor terminal device acquires the sensor data related to the disease suffered by the patient from among the data of the patient stored in the storage device from the dentist terminal device.

2. The intra-oral sensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor module is arranged on any one of the correction device, the denture and the implant.

3. The intra-oral sensing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The living body information is at least one of body temperature, blood flow, blood oxygen, heart rate, bacteria, teeth grinding, and chewing and swallowing times.

4. The intra-oral sensing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The sensor module comprises: A sensor that senses a living body; a battery, which supplies electrical power; A signal processing unit that generates digital data based on the result sensed by the sensor; a memory for storing the digital data generated by the signal processing unit; as well as A radio transceiver receives an instruction to acquire data sent by an acquisition device, and based on the received instruction, transmits the identification information of the patient and the digital data stored in the memory to the acquisition device.

5. The intra-oral sensing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The sensor module includes at least one of a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a pressure sensor, a strain sensor, a pulse sensor, a pulse oximeter, a heart rate sensor and a laser sensor.

6. The intra-oral sensing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The sensor module is arranged on any one of the correction device, the denture and the implant. Any one of the correction device, the artificial tooth, and the implant is at least partially formed of a material capable of transmitting any one of light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 1000 nm.

7. The intra-oral sensing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The sensor module sends an action confirmation signal, The intra-oral sensing system includes a terminal device that receives the action confirmation signal transmitted by the sensor module.

8. The intra-oral sensing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The dentist terminal device includes a processing unit that performs one or both of an analysis of dental treatment and an analysis of medical diseases for each patient's identification information based on the data.

9. The intra-oral sensing system of claim 8, wherein: When the processing unit determines that the patient is suspected of having a disease, the processing unit generates disease information including the patient ID of the patient and information indicating that the patient is suspected of having a disease, the disease information being destined for the doctor's terminal device. The dentist's terminal device includes a communication unit that transmits the disease information generated by the processing unit to the doctor's terminal device.

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