Portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging

Abstract

The invention discloses a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, relates to the technical field of dental caries diagnosis equipment, and provides the following scheme that a tablet computer is arranged at the top of an imaging mechanism, a transmission assembly is connected to the front side of the imaging mechanism, and a detection handle assembly is connected to the front end of the transmission assembly; the front end head of the detection handle assembly is clamped with a backlash insertion sheet assembly. The development mechanism takes the visual camera as a core and is matched with the tablet personal computer to complete image acquisition and processing; the transmission assembly enhances the sensitivity of a fluorescence signal through a PMT photomultiplier; the backlash insertion piece assembly adapts to different backlash widths through insertion pieces of multiple specifications. The design of the detachable insertion piece improves the compatibility with complex tooth shapes, the dynamic adjustment function of the light shield reduces the interference of ambient light, and the overall scheme is structurally optimized, so that the detection rate and the diagnosis accuracy of early decayed teeth are improved while the portability is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of dental caries diagnosis equipment, and particularly relates to a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging. Background Art

[0002] In the field of stomatology, the early diagnosis and intervention of dental caries are crucial for maintaining dental health. Traditional dental caries detection methods mainly rely on visual inspection, probe detection, and X-ray imaging, but there are significant limitations: visual inspection is difficult to detect early enamel demineralization lesions, probe detection may cause mechanical damage to the tooth, and although X-rays can show the depth of caries lesions, due to the risk of radiation exposure and the limitation of two-dimensional imaging, it is impossible to accurately locate superficial or proximal dental caries. In addition, most existing portable detection devices use a single optical imaging technology, with insufficient ability to capture fluorescence signals of minor caries lesions and lack of adaptability design for complex interdental structures, resulting in a high missed diagnosis rate in clinical applications.

[0003] In recent years, fluorescence imaging technology has received attention because it can reflect the degree of demineralization through the autofluorescence characteristics of teeth. However, existing devices have the following technical bottlenecks: firstly, fluorescence signal acquisition is easily interfered by ambient light, requiring additional light-shielding devices and complex operations; secondly, the contact method between the detection probe and the interdental space lacks flexibility and is difficult to adapt to the tooth shape differences of patients of different age groups. To address the above problems, there is an urgent need to develop an integrated and portable diagnostic device to optimize the early screening process of dental caries and improve the diagnosis and treatment efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A technical solution for a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging is provided to address the defects presented in the above background art.

[0005] It includes an imaging mechanism, on the top of which is provided a tablet computer. A transmission component is connected to the front side of the imaging mechanism, and the front end of the transmission component is connected to a detection handle component. A tooth gap insert component is clamped on the front end head of the detection handle component.

[0006] The imaging mechanism includes a bottom plate, a vision camera fixedly connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate, and a support frame fixedly connected to the upper surface of the vision camera. Four groups of suction cups are fixedly connected to the top of the support frame, and the back of the tablet computer is adsorbed and fixed on the suction cups.

[0007] The transmission component includes a PMT photomultiplier tube connected to the access end of the vision camera, and a cable fixedly connected to the end of the PMT photomultiplier tube.

[0008] The detection handle assembly includes a fluorescence imaging scanning pen, a scanning head fixed to the front end of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen, and a connector fixedly connected to the rear end of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen for docking with a cable. A light-shielding cover is slidably arranged on the outer surface of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen, and an endoscope lens is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the scanning head;

[0009] The backlash insert assembly includes a sleeve, an insert fixedly connected to the front end face of the sleeve, and a fluorescence reflector embedded and fixed inside the insert.

[0010] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: a rubber anti-slip plate is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the bottom plate by glue, and a plurality of criss-cross anti-slip grooves are formed on the bottom surface of the rubber anti-slip plate. The top surface of the bottom plate is fixedly connected to the four corners of the bottom surface of the vision camera by bolts.

[0011] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: the output end of the vision camera is connected to the access end of the tablet computer through a line for the tablet computer to display the scanned tooth fluorescence imaging image.

[0012] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: a diagonal support plate is fixedly connected to the top surface of the support frame, and the axis of the diagonal support plate has an inclination angle of 30 - 40° with the horizontal plane.

[0013] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: two groups of fixing frames are fixedly connected to the top surface of the diagonal support plate, and the suction cups are respectively fixed on the top surfaces of the fixing frames.

[0014] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: the end of the cable far from the PMT photomultiplier tube is inserted into the inside of the connector for receiving the image data scanned by the scanning head.

[0015] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: a through hole for the fluorescence imaging scanning pen to pass through is formed in the central area inside the light-shielding cover, and a circle of silica gel ring is filled inside the through hole. The inner surface of the silica gel ring is in contact with the outer surface of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen for the light-shielding cover to move back and forth along the axis of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen and hover at the current position, and the light-shielding cover is made of an opaque material to block the influence of external light sources on fluorescence imaging.

[0016] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: the outer surface of the endoscope lens is fixed on the outer surface of the scanning head, and the image transmission end of the endoscope lens is connected to an image transmission line, and the other end of the image transmission line is connected to the access interface of the tablet computer.

[0017] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: the sleeve is tightly sleeved on the front end of the scanning head, and a slot for inlaying and fixing the fluorescence reflector is provided inside the insert piece.

[0018] In the above technical solution of a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, preferably: there are multiple insert pieces and sleeves. Among them, the inner diameter of the sleeve is always coupled with the outer diameter of the scanning head, and the thickness of the insert piece is between 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm, which is used to insert into tooth gaps of different sizes.

[0019] It can be seen from the above technical solution that the present invention provides a portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The imaging mechanism takes the visual camera as the core and cooperates with the tablet computer to complete image acquisition and processing; the transmission component enhances the sensitivity of the fluorescence signal through the PMT photomultiplier tube; the detection handle component integrates the fluorescence imaging scanning pen and the endoscope lens, supporting dual-modal data synchronous acquisition; the tooth gap insert component adapts to different tooth gap widths through multi-specification insert pieces. The detachable insert design improves the compatibility with complex tooth shapes, and the dynamic adjustment function of the light shield reduces environmental light interference. Through structural optimization, the overall solution improves the early dental caries detection rate and diagnostic accuracy while maintaining portability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce and explain the drawings required for describing the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only partial embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the portable dental caries diagnosis device;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the imaging mechanism;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the transmission component;

[0025] Figure 4Schematic diagram for detecting the handle assembly;

[0026] Figure 5 Schematic diagram for the backlash insert component.

[0027] Appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 5 The corresponding relationships of the components therein are as follows:

[0028] 1. Imaging mechanism; 11. Base plate; 12. Rubber anti-slip plate; 13. Vision camera; 14. Support frame; 15. Diagonal support plate; 16. Fixed frame; 17. Suction cup; 2. Transmission component; 21. Cable; 22. PMT photomultiplier tube; 3. Detection handle assembly; 31. Fluorescence imaging scanning pen; 32. Scanning end; 33. Endoscope lens; 34. Image transmission line; 35. Light shield; 36. Connector; 4. Tablet computer; 5. Backlash insert component; 51. Sleeve; 52. Card slot; 53. Fluorescence reflector; 54. Insert piece. Specific implementation manners

[0029] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the following described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0030] In order to make a clearer explanation and illustration of the technical solutions and implementation manners of the present invention, the following introduces the preferred specific embodiments for implementing the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0031] Embodiment 1: This embodiment provides an assembly and usage method of a portable caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging. First, place the bottom plate 11 of the imaging mechanism 1 on a stable tabletop, and its bottom rubber anti-slip plate 12 enhances stability through anti-slip grooves. The vision camera 13 is fixed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 11 by bolts. The support frame 14 is vertically connected to the top of the vision camera 13 and supports four groups of suction cups 17 through the diagonal support plate 15 and the fixing frame 16. The back of the tablet computer 4 is adsorbed on the suction cups 17, and its access end is connected to the output end of the vision camera 13 through a line for receiving and displaying fluorescence imaging data. The PMT photomultiplier tube 22 of the transmission component 2 is connected to the access end of the vision camera 13, and the end of the cable 21 is inserted into the connector 36 of the detection handle assembly 3. The front end of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen 31 of the detection handle assembly 3 is installed with a scanning head 32, and the endoscope lens 33 is fixed outside the scanning head 32 and connected to the tablet computer 4 through an image transmission line 34. The light shield 35 is slidably sleeved on the outer circle of the scanning pen 31 through a silicone ring and can move along the axis and hover. The sleeve 51 of the tooth gap insert component 5 is sleeved on the front end of the scanning head 32, and the insert 54 is internally inlaid with a fluorescence reflector 53 for inserting into the tooth gap. When in use, insert the insert 54 into the target tooth gap, turn on the tablet computer 4, and perform fluorescence imaging scanning by moving the scanning pen 31. The image data is transmitted to the vision camera 13 through the cable 21 and finally displayed on the tablet computer 4.

[0032] Embodiment 2: For different tooth gap widths, this embodiment provides various specifications of tooth gap insert components 5. The inner diameter of the sleeve 51 and the outer diameter of the scanning head 32 always maintain coupling, and the thickness of the insert 54 is designed in four specifications of 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.7 mm. During operation, select the corresponding insert 54 according to the size of the patient's tooth gap and tightly fit and install its sleeve 51 on the front end of the scanning head 32. For example, for the small tooth gaps of children, select the 0.1 mm insert 54; for the wider tooth gaps of adults, select the 0.7 mm insert 54. The insert 54 fixes the fluorescence reflector 53 through a card slot 52 to ensure stable reflection of the fluorescence signal during scanning. When replacing the insert 54, directly pull out the original sleeve 51 and replace it with a new specification without adjusting other components.

[0033] Embodiment 3: To avoid environmental light interfering with fluorescence imaging, this embodiment optimizes the adjustment function of the light shield 35. The inner silicone ring of the light shield 35 is in elastic contact with the outer circle of the scanning pen 31, allowing the user to slide the light shield 35 back and forth along the axis to a suitable position and hover. For example, when scanning the posterior teeth, move the light shield 35 forward to completely cover the scanning area; when scanning the anterior teeth, move the light shield 35 backward to avoid blocking the operation field of view. The light shield 35 is made of opaque engineering plastic material, and its inner wall is matte-treated to effectively absorb stray light. In actual tests, in an environment with an illuminance of 500 lux, the light shield 35 can reduce the environmental light interference to less than 3% of the fluorescence signal intensity, ensuring the clarity of the imaging.

[0034] Embodiment 4: This embodiment combines fluorescence imaging with endoscopic images to improve diagnostic accuracy. The scanning end 32 integrates a fluorescence reflector 53 and an endoscope head 33, and both independently transmit data to the tablet computer 4 through the image transmission line 34. During operation, the user can simultaneously observe the fluorescence image (showing the carious lesion area) and the endoscopic image (showing the tooth surface morphology). For example, when detecting pit and fissure caries, the fluorescence image highlights the early demineralized area, and the endoscopic image helps to judge the depth of caries. The tablet computer 4 is built-in with an image fusion algorithm, which can superimpose and display the two images and mark the lesion grade by colors (such as green for healthy, yellow for early caries, and red for moderate to severe caries), providing an intuitive basis for clinical decision-making.

[0035] According to the above-mentioned preferred technical solution content, the working process of this technical solution is described as follows: First, prepare the equipment. Place the bottom plate 11 of the imaging mechanism 1 on a stable tabletop. The rubber anti-slip plate 12 at its bottom enhances stability through anti-slip grooves. The vision camera 13 is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 11 by bolts. The support frame 14 is vertically connected to the top of the vision camera 13 and adsorbs and fixes the tablet computer 4 through the suction cup 17. The access end of the tablet computer 4 is connected to the output end of the vision camera 13 through a line to receive imaging data.

[0036] Subsequently, select the appropriate tooth gap insert component 5 according to the patient's tooth gap width. Tightly sleeve the sleeve 51 on the front end of the scanning end 32 of the detection handle component 3. The fluorescence reflector 53 embedded inside the insert 54 faces the direction of the tooth gap to be measured. The operator holds the fluorescence imaging scanning pen 31 of the detection handle component 3, inserts the insert 54 into the target tooth gap, and at the same time slides and adjusts the light shield 35 to cover the scanning area to shield the ambient light interference. The silicone ring on the inner circle of the light shield 35 is in elastic contact with the outer circle of the scanning pen 31 to achieve hover positioning. After starting the scan, the scanning end 32 emits excitation light to irradiate the tooth surface. The fluorescence signal generated in the carious area is reflected by the fluorescence reflector 53 and collected by the endoscope head 33. The endoscope head 33 transmits the optical image to the tablet computer 4 through the image transmission line 34. At the same time, the PMT photomultiplier tube 22 converts the fluorescence signal into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the vision camera 13 through the cable 21 for image enhancement processing.

[0037] The tablet computer 4 receives the fluorescence image data and endoscope image data transmitted by the vision camera 13, and realizes dual-modal image registration and fusion through the built-in algorithm. The fluorescence intensity is mapped into a pseudo-color layer and superimposed on the endoscope image, where the healthy area is marked in green, the early dental caries is marked in yellow, and the moderate to severe dental caries is marked in red. The operator observes the fused image through the touch screen of the tablet computer 4, can drag the image to view different perspectives, or click on a specific area to obtain a local enlarged view and the fluorescence intensity value. After completing the single-tooth scan, pull out the insert 54 and clean the scanning end 32, and replace the insert 54 with different thicknesses as needed to detect other tooth gaps. The tablet computer 4 automatically saves the scan data of each tooth position and generates a three-dimensional tooth row model, supporting horizontal comparative analysis. The final diagnosis result can be uploaded to the cloud server through the wireless network, or exported as a PDF report through the tablet computer 4. The report includes the tooth position number, dental caries grade, fluorescence intensity distribution map, and treatment suggestions.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to the above best implementation mode. Anyone should know that structural changes made under the inspiration of the present invention, as long as they have the same or similar technical solutions as the present invention, fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Finally, it should also be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. shown in the drawings of this specification are only used to cooperate with the content disclosed in the specification for those familiar with this technology to understand and read, and are not used to limit the implementation conditions of this application. Therefore, they do not have technical essence. Any modification of the structure, change of the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size, without affecting the efficacy and purpose that this application can achieve, should still fall within the scope that the technical content disclosed in this application can cover.

Claims

1. A portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging, comprising an imaging mechanism (1), characterized in that: A tablet computer (4) is provided at the top of the imaging mechanism (1). A transmission component (2) is connected to the front side of the imaging mechanism (1). A detection handle component (3) is connected to the front end of the transmission component (2). A tooth gap insert component (5) is clamped to the front end head of the detection handle component (3). The imaging mechanism (1) includes a bottom plate (11), a vision camera (13) fixedly connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate (11), and a support frame (14) fixedly connected to the upper surface of the vision camera (13). Four groups of suction cups (17) are fixedly connected to the top of the support frame (14). The back surface of the tablet computer (4) is adsorbed and fixed on the suction cups (17). The transmission component (2) includes a PMT photomultiplier tube (22) connected to the access end of the vision camera (13), and a cable (21) fixedly connected to the end of the PMT photomultiplier tube (22). The detection handle component (3) includes a fluorescence imaging scanning pen (31), a scanning head (32) fixed to the front end of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen (31), and a connector (36) fixedly connected to the rear end of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen (31) and docked with the cable (21). A light-shielding cover (35) is slidably arranged on the outer surface of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen (31). An endoscope lens (33) is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the scanning head (32). The tooth gap insert component (5) includes a sleeve (51), an insert piece (54) fixedly connected to the front end face of the sleeve (51), and a fluorescence reflector (53) embedded and fixed inside the insert piece (54).

2. The portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rubber anti-slip plate (12) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the bottom plate (11) by glue. A plurality of criss-cross anti-slip grooves are formed on the bottom surface of the rubber anti-slip plate (12). The top surface of the bottom plate (11) and the four corners of the bottom surface of the vision camera (13) are fixedly connected by bolts.

3. The portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 1, wherein: The output end of the vision camera (13) is connected to the access end of the tablet computer (4) through a line, for the tablet computer (4) to display the scanned tooth fluorescence imaging image.

4. The portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 1, wherein: An inclined support plate (15) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the support frame (14). The axis of the inclined support plate (15) has an inclination angle of 30-40° with the horizontal plane.

5. A portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 4, characterized in that: Two groups of fixing frames (16) are fixedly connected to the top surface of the inclined support plate (15). The suction cups (17) are respectively fixed on the top surface of the fixing frames (16).

6. The portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the cable (21) far from the PMT photomultiplier tube (22) is inserted into the inside of the connector (36), for receiving the image data scanned by the scanning head (32).

7. A portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: A through hole for the fluorescence imaging scanning pen (31) to pass through is formed in the central area inside the light-shielding cover (35). A silicone ring is filled inside the through hole. The inner surface of the silicone ring is in contact with the outer surface of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen (31), for the light-shielding cover (35) to move back and forth along the axis of the fluorescence imaging scanning pen (31) and hover at the current position. And the light-shielding cover (35) is made of opaque material to block the influence of external light sources on fluorescence imaging.

8. A portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the endoscope lens (33) is fixed on the outer surface of the scanning head (32), and an image transmission line (34) is connected to the image transmission end of the endoscope lens (33). The other end of the image transmission line (34) is connected to the access interface of the tablet computer (4).

9. A portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve (51) is tightly sleeved on the front end of the scanning head (32), and a card slot (52) for inlaying and fixing the fluorescent reflector (53) is formed inside the insert piece (54).

10. The portable dental caries diagnosis device based on fluorescence imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple insert pieces (54) and sleeves (51). Among them, the inner diameter of the sleeve (51) is always coupled with the outer diameter of the scanning head (32). The thickness of the insert piece (54) is between 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm and is used to be inserted into tooth gaps of different sizes.

Images