Dental photography device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a dental photography device, it includes the main part, install camera module, purple light source, illumination light source and control device on the main part. Control device with camera module, purple light source and illumination light source electricity is connected. Purple light source is used for emitting the first wave band's purple light and / or ultraviolet light. Illumination light source is used for emitting the second wave band's conventional illumination light. Camera module fixedly has the ability of inhibiting the light of first wave band in incident light. The dental photography device has first shooting mode and second shooting mode, under first shooting mode, control device opens purple light source, closes illumination light source, and controls camera module gathers under the illumination of the light emission of purple light source and gathers the image of intraoral tissue, under second shooting mode, control device closes purple light source, opens illumination light source, and controls camera module gathers under the illumination of the light emission of illumination light source and gathers the image of intraoral tissue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model generally relates to dental photography devices, and in particular to dental photography devices with dental plaque detection functions. Background Technology

[0002] Dental plaque, also known as tartar, is a biological film that gradually accumulates on the surface of teeth and gums. Dental plaque on teeth can lead to cavities, plaque buildup at the tooth roots can irritate the gums leading to gingivitis, and when it spreads to the bone around the teeth, it can cause periodontal diseases such as periodontitis. Therefore, it is necessary to remove dental plaque promptly to prevent it from developing into dental diseases.

[0003] Currently, the applicant has developed a dental photography device that allows patients to operate themselves to take images of intraoral tissues. This enables patients to take their own dental photographs during orthodontic treatment, allowing dental professionals to monitor the progress of the treatment, reducing the number of times patients need to visit dental professionals, and alleviating the burden on both patients and dental professionals.

[0004] Subsequently, based on the aforementioned dental imaging device, the applicant added a violet light source for exciting the characteristic fluorescence of dental plaque and provided a long-pass filter as an accessory to suppress the violet or ultraviolet light emitted by the violet light source, thus adding a dental plaque detection function to the dental imaging device. When detecting dental plaque, the patient manually installs the filter onto the dental imaging device and turns on the violet light source. In this operating mode, the dental plaque area in the patient's intraoral tissue images acquired by the dental imaging device is highlighted, thereby achieving the dental plaque detection function.

[0005] However, switching the aforementioned dental imaging device from the regular imaging mode to the plaque detection mode requires manually installing the filter, which is overly cumbersome. Using a mechanical structure to switch the filter position would increase the structural complexity of the dental imaging device and also raise concerns about the lifespan of the mechanical structure.

[0006] In view of the above, it is necessary to provide a new dental imaging device. Utility Model Content

[0007] One aspect of this utility model provides a dental imaging device, comprising a main body on which a camera module, a violet light source, an illumination source, and a control device are mounted. The control device is electrically connected to the camera module, the violet light source, and the illumination source. The violet light source emits violet light and / or ultraviolet light of a first wavelength. The illumination source emits conventional illumination light of a second wavelength. The camera module is fixedly equipped with the ability to suppress the first wavelength light in the incident light. The dental imaging device has a first shooting mode and a second shooting mode. In the first shooting mode, the control device turns on the violet light source, turns off the illumination source, and controls the camera module to acquire images of intraoral tissues irradiated by the light emitted by the violet light source. In the second shooting mode, the control device turns off the violet light source, turns on the illumination source, and controls the camera module to acquire images of intraoral tissues irradiated by the light emitted by the illumination source.

[0008] In some embodiments, the camera module has a long-pass filter fixedly mounted on its optical path, the cutoff wavelength of which is greater than the maximum wavelength of the first band.

[0009] In some embodiments, the camera module includes an image sensor, and the image sensor or the control device includes an image signal processor for correcting dental tissue images acquired by the dental photography device in the second shooting mode according to pre-calibrated image correction parameters.

[0010] In some implementations, the image correction parameters include automatic white balance correction parameters and a color correction matrix.

[0011] In some implementations, the camera module has a notch filter fixedly mounted on its optical path, and the notch range is greater than that of the first band.

[0012] In some embodiments, the dental imaging device further includes a masking tube and an oral mouth opener. The main body includes a housing forming a chamber and a working surface, the working surface being a portion of the surface surrounding the chamber, and a first hole formed on the working surface. The masking tube extends from the edge of the working surface away from the main body. The oral mouth opener is disposed at the end of the masking tube for opening the patient's lips. The camera module is fixedly mounted within the chamber and acquires images of the intraoral tissue exposed by the oral mouth opener through the first hole and the masking tube. A UV light source and an illumination source are distributed around the camera on the working surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main body includes N illumination sources, which are evenly distributed around the camera module on the working surface, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0014] In some embodiments, the main body includes M violet light sources, which are evenly distributed around the camera module on the working surface, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0015] In some embodiments, the camera module includes a lens and an image sensor, with the long-pass filter located between the lens and the image sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the camera module includes a lens and an image sensor, and the long-pass filter is located on the side of the lens away from the image sensor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the camera module has a polarizing filter fixedly mounted on its optical path.

[0018] In some embodiments, the camera module has a first linear polarizing mirror fixedly mounted on its optical path, and a second linear polarizing mirror fixedly mounted in front of the illumination source, the polarization axes of the first and second linear polarizing mirrors being approximately orthogonal.

[0019] In some embodiments, a first circular polarizer is fixedly mounted on the camera module in its optical path, and a second circular polarizer is fixedly mounted in front of the illumination source, wherein the first and second circular polarizers have opposite chirality.

[0020] In some embodiments, the illumination source is a white LED, the upper limit of the first wavelength band is less than 450 nm, and the cutoff wavelength of the long-pass filter is less than 450 nm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the illumination source is a white LED, the upper limit of the first wavelength band is less than 450 nm, and the upper limit of the notch range of the notch filter is less than 450 nm. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other features of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and their detailed description. It should be understood that these drawings only illustrate several exemplary embodiments according to this application and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and similar reference numerals denote similar parts.

[0023] Figure 1 A dental imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically; Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 The main body of the dental imaging device shown; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Top view of the main body; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A bottom view of the main body shown; Figure 5 Showing Figure 1 The dental imaging device shown has an opening; Figure 6 The structure of a camera module in one embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically; and Figure 7 The structure of the camera module in another embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following detailed description incorporates the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. The illustrative embodiments mentioned in the specification and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand, based on the teachings of this application, that many other embodiments can be employed and various changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. It should be understood that the various aspects of this application illustrated herein can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in many different configurations, all of which are within the scope of this application.

[0025] One aspect of this utility model provides a dental imaging device, comprising a main body on which a camera module, a violet light source, an illumination source, and a control device are mounted. The control device is electrically connected to the camera module, the violet light source, and the illumination source. The violet light source emits light of a first wavelength, which is violet light and / or ultraviolet light, to excite the characteristic fluorescence of dental plaque. The illumination source emits light of a second wavelength, which is conventional illumination light, to provide illumination for acquiring conventional intraoral tissue images. The camera module is fixedly equipped with the ability to suppress the first wavelength light in the incident light. The dental imaging device has a first shooting mode for detecting dental plaque and a second shooting mode for acquiring conventional intraoral tissue images: in the first shooting mode, the control device turns on the violet light source, turns off the illumination source, and controls the camera module to acquire intraoral tissue images under the illumination of the violet light source; in the second shooting mode, the control device turns off the violet light source, turns on the illumination source, and controls the camera module to acquire intraoral tissue images under the illumination source.

[0026] Since the camera module of the dental imaging device of this application has the ability to suppress light in the first wavelength band, there is no need to manually install and remove the filter when switching between the first and second shooting modes, making the switching of shooting modes more convenient. There is also no need to set up a device for switching the filter position; therefore, its structure is simple, and there is no issue with the lifespan of the filter switching device.

[0027] The inventors of this application have discovered that, although the camera module filters out at least a portion of the first wavelength of incident light in the second shooting mode, resulting in a color cast in the acquired intraoral tissue image, this does not affect dental treatment based on such intraoral tissue images, such as monitoring the progress of orthodontic treatment or detecting dental diseases such as caries.

[0028] The dental imaging device of this application realizes the two functions of dental plaque detection and routine intraoral tissue image acquisition with the simplest and most reliable structure.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a dental imaging device 100 according to one embodiment of the present application, which includes a body 101 and an mouth opener 103, wherein the mouth opener 103 is sleeved on the body 101.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 2-4 , Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The main body 101 shown, Figure 3 for Figure 2 The top view of the main body 101 shown. Figure 4 for Figure 2 The bottom view of the main body 101 shown.

[0031] The outer contour of the front of the main body 101 is roughly a closed U-shape, and the cross-sectional contour is oval, making it very comfortable for the user to hold and operate. Based on the teachings of this application, it can be understood that the main body 101 can be any other suitable shape besides the shape of this embodiment.

[0032] The main body 101 includes a housing 1010, which forms a chamber for mounting related components. The housing 1010 forms a working surface 1011 facing the mouth opener 103, which is part of the surface surrounding the chamber. A first hole 1013 is formed on the working surface 1011, such that a camera module 1015 fixedly mounted in the chamber can acquire images of the intraoral tissue exposed by the mouth opener 103 through the first hole 1013.

[0033] In one embodiment, the working surface 1011 may be a plane. In another embodiment, the working surface 1011 may be a curved surface. It will be understood, as taught in this application, that the working surface 1011 may be any other suitable geometry besides a plane and a curved surface.

[0034] The outer shell 1010 extends integrally from the edge of the working surface 1011 toward the opening 103 to form a cylinder 1017, which surrounds the working surface 1011. A plurality of snap fasteners 1019 are formed at the end of the cylinder 1017 away from the working surface 1011.

[0035] At least two illumination sources 1021 are evenly distributed around the first hole 1013 on the working surface 1011, preferably four illumination sources 1021, more preferably six illumination sources 1021, and even more preferably eight illumination sources 1021. The illumination sources 1021 are used to provide illumination for the camera module 1015 to take routine photographs (color or black and white) of intraoral tissues, so as to ensure the quality of the routine photographs of intraoral tissues taken.

[0036] In one embodiment, the lighting source 1021 may be a white LED. As can be understood from the teachings of this application, the lighting source 1021 may be any other suitable light source besides a white LED.

[0037] At least one violet light source 1023 is distributed around the first hole 1013 on the working surface 1011. Preferably, at least two violet light sources 1023 are uniformly distributed around the first hole 1013. The violet light sources 1023 are used to generate violet and / or ultraviolet light (wavelength range of approximately 330 nm to 480 nm) and project it onto the intraoral tissue to excite the characteristic fluorescence of dental plaque. The wavelength range of the light emitted by the violet light sources 1023 is the first band.

[0038] Porphyrin compounds produced by dental plaque metabolism exhibit red fluorescence (wavelength range of approximately 600 nm to 700 nm) under violet or ultraviolet light. If the camera module 1015 can filter out a significant portion of the first wavelength of incident light, then in the first shooting mode, the areas containing dental plaque in the intraoral tissue image acquired by the camera module 1015 will be highlighted, allowing the user to clearly distinguish the distribution of dental plaque and achieve dental plaque detection.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 3 It schematically demonstrates Figure 1 The opening device 103 shown.

[0040] The opening device 103 includes a cylinder (also called a shielding cylinder) 1031, with a first end remote from the main body 101 forming a flared flange 1033. A plurality of snap fasteners 1035 are formed on the second end opposite the first end, respectively engaging with a plurality of snap fasteners 1019 on the top of the cylinder 1017 of the housing 1010 to secure it to the cylinder 1017. As can be understood from the teachings of this application, in addition to snap fasteners, any other suitable securing method can be used between the opening device 103 and the housing 1010, such as an interference fit.

[0041] Based on the teachings of this application, it can be understood that the cylinder between the body 101 and the opening 103 can have different configurations, and the following are a few examples.

[0042] In one embodiment, no cylinder is formed on the outer casing 1010, and the sleeve of the opening 103 is provided on the edge of the working surface 1011 of the outer casing 1010.

[0043] In another embodiment, the outer casing 1010 has a longer cylinder, while the opening 103 does not form a cylinder.

[0044] In another embodiment, the outer shell 1010, the cylinder, and the opening 103 may be integrally formed.

[0045] In another embodiment, the housing 1010 and the opening 103 are connected by a sleeve via a separate adapter sleeve.

[0046] All the different embodiments of the shielding cylinder described above can be described as extending from the edge of the working surface 1011 to form the shielding cylinder. Here, "extending" does not mean that the shielding cylinder and the outer shell 1010 are integrally formed; it encompasses all the different situations described above.

[0047] A control button 1025 is provided on the side wall of the main body 101 for the user to operate the dental imaging device 100, for example, to turn the dental imaging device 100 on or off.

[0048] The bottom of the main body 101 is provided with a connector 1027 for charging the main body 101 and / or connecting to a separate computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet or personal computer).

[0049] The main body 101 can be connected to a separate computing device via a cable or wirelessly to display dental tissue images acquired by the dental imaging device 100 on the screen of the computing device, and / or to control the shooting mode of the dental imaging device 100 using the computing device.

[0050] The cavity defined by the outer shell 1010 of the main body 101 also houses a control device (e.g., a control circuit module) and a battery (not shown in the figure). An electrical connection is formed between the camera module 1015, the illumination source 1021, the ultraviolet light source 1023, the control device, and the battery. The battery supplies power to the control device, the camera module 1015, the illumination source 1021, and the ultraviolet light source 1023.

[0051] In one embodiment, when the control device receives an instruction to detect dental plaque, it turns on the ultraviolet light source 1023, turns off the illumination source 1021, and controls the camera module 1015 to acquire images of dental tissue illuminated by the ultraviolet light source 1023. When the control device receives an instruction to take a routine photograph of dental tissue, it turns on the illumination source 1021, turns off the ultraviolet light source 1023, and controls the camera module 1015 to acquire images of dental tissue illuminated by the illumination source 1021.

[0052] In one embodiment, the camera module 1015 may be provided with a fixed filter for suppressing light of the first wavelength band or filtering out at least a portion of the first wavelength band of incident light.

[0053] In one embodiment, the filter may be a long-pass filter. In one embodiment, the cutoff wavelength of the long-pass filter is greater than the maximum wavelength of the first band. For example, a violet light source 1023 emits violet light with a wavelength of 405 nm, and the cutoff wavelength of the long-pass filter is 420 nm.

[0054] If the illumination source 1021 is a white LED, which has a blue light peak at approximately 450 nm, in order to avoid the long-pass filter affecting the illumination effect of the illumination source 1021 when capturing conventional dental tissue images, a long-pass filter with a cutoff wavelength of less than 450 nm can be used.

[0055] Long-pass filters are less expensive, but they can cause color casts in routine intraoral tissue images acquired by the dental imaging device 100. While such intraoral tissue images generally do not affect dental treatment, they can be corrected if necessary.

[0056] In one embodiment, the image sensor of the camera module 1015 may have a built-in image signal processor for correcting the image acquired by the image sensor according to pre-calibrated correction parameters. In one embodiment, the correction parameters may include auto white balance correction parameters and a color correction matrix.

[0057] In another embodiment, the control device may include the image signal processor for correcting the image acquired by the image sensor according to pre-calibrated correction parameters.

[0058] In another embodiment, the filter may be a notch filter. Compared to a long-pass filter, a notch filter suppresses a narrower wavelength band of light, and the color cast problem in conventional intraoral tissue images acquired by the dental imaging device 100 can be ignored.

[0059] In one embodiment, the notch filter has a notch band capable of effectively suppressing light in the first wavelength band. In another embodiment, the notch band of the notch filter can be obtained by extending a certain wavelength range to both sides of the first wavelength band, for example, by extending it outward by 10 nm to both sides.

[0060] If the illumination source 1021 is a white LED, which has a blue light peak at approximately 450 nm, in order to avoid the notch filter affecting the illumination effect of the illumination source 1021 when capturing conventional dental tissue images, a notch filter with an upper limit of less than 450 nm can be used.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the structure of a camera module 1015 in one embodiment of this application.

[0062] The camera module 1015 includes a lens group 1015a, a filter 1015b, and an image sensor 1015c. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the filter 1015b is located between the lens group 1015a and the image sensor 1015c.

[0063] A camera's lens group is a collection of one or more optical lenses used to focus an optical object and transmit the image to an image sensor after imaging.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates the structure of a camera module 1015 in yet another embodiment of this application, in which a filter 1015b is located on the side of the lens group 1015a away from the image sensor 1015c.

[0065] In another embodiment, at least one lens in the lens group of the camera module 1015 has the ability to suppress light of the first wavelength band or filter out at least a portion of the light of the first wavelength band in the incident light without the need for an additional filter. For example, a coating can be applied to at least one lens in the lens group to enable the lens group to suppress light of the first wavelength band or filter out at least a portion of the light of the first wavelength band in the incident light.

[0066] In some cases, when taking routine dental tissue photographs, the reflection of light on the surface of the dental tissue (e.g., teeth) may cause these areas to be overexposed in the acquired images, obscuring the texture of the dental tissue in these areas.

[0067] To address the aforementioned issues, in one embodiment, a polarizing filter (not shown in the figure) can be fixedly installed in the optical path of the camera module 1015, for example, at the end of the camera module 1015 furthest from the image sensor. The polarizing filter can be a linear polarizing filter or a circular polarizing filter.

[0068] In another embodiment, a first linear polarizer can be fixedly installed in front of the illumination source 1021, and a second linear polarizer can be fixedly installed in the optical path of the camera module 1015. The polarization axes of the first and second linear polarizers are approximately orthogonal, for example, 90°±3°, to effectively filter out specular reflection light.

[0069] In another embodiment, a first circular polarizer can be fixedly installed in front of the illumination source 1021, and a second circular polarizer can be fixedly installed in the optical path of the camera module 1015, wherein the first and second circular polarizers have opposite chirality to effectively filter out specular reflection light.

[0070] Although the above is based on Figure 1 The dental imaging device 100 shown is used as an example for detailed description, but it is understood under the guidance of this application that the dental imaging device of this application can adopt any other suitable structure and shape. For example, the dental imaging device can be pen-shaped, can be inserted into the patient's oral cavity without an opening device to collect images of dental tissues.

[0071] Although various aspects and embodiments of this application have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments of this application will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon inspiration from this application. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The scope and spirit of this application are determined solely by the appended claims.

[0072] Similarly, the diagrams may illustrate exemplary architectures or other configurations of the disclosed methods and systems, which aid in understanding the features and functions that may be included in the disclosed methods and systems. The claims are not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, and the desired features may be implemented with various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, the order of the blocks given herein with respect to flowcharts, functional descriptions, and method claims should not be limited to various embodiments implemented in the same order to perform the said functions, unless explicitly indicated in the context.

[0073] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used herein, and their variations thereof, should be interpreted as open-ended rather than restrictive. In some instances, the appearance of extended words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or other similar expressions should not be construed as an intention or necessity to indicate a narrower scope in examples where such extended expressions might not exist.

Claims

1. A dental imaging device, characterized in that, It includes a main body, on which a camera module, a UV light source, an illumination source, and a control device are mounted. The control device is electrically connected to the camera module, the ultraviolet light source, and the illumination source. The violet light source is used to emit light in a first wavelength band, which is violet light and / or ultraviolet light. The illumination source is used to emit light in the second wavelength band, which is conventional illumination light. The camera module is fixedly capable of suppressing light in the first wavelength band of the incident light. The dental imaging device has a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode. In the first shooting mode, the control device turns on the ultraviolet light source, turns off the illumination source, and controls the camera module to acquire images of intraoral tissue under the illumination of the light emitted by the ultraviolet light source. In the second shooting mode, the control device turns off the ultraviolet light source, turns on the illumination source, and controls the camera module to acquire images of intraoral tissues under the illumination emitted by the illumination source.

2. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module has a long-pass filter fixedly installed in its optical path, and its cutoff wavelength is greater than the maximum wavelength of the first band.

3. The dental imaging apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The camera module includes an image sensor, and the image sensor or the control device includes an image signal processor for correcting the dental tissue images acquired by the dental photography device in the second shooting mode according to pre-calibrated image correction parameters.

4. The dental imaging apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The image correction parameters include automatic white balance correction parameters and color correction matrix.

5. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module has a notch filter fixedly installed on its optical path, and the notch range is greater than the first band.

6. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a shielding tube and an opening device. The main body includes an outer shell that forms a chamber and a working surface, the working surface being a portion of the surface surrounding the chamber, and a first hole formed on the working surface. The shielding cylinder extends from the edge of the working surface in a direction away from the main body. The mouth opener is located at the end of the masking tube and is used to pry open the patient's lips. The camera module is fixedly installed in the cavity and captures images of the oral tissues exposed by the mouth opening device after the patient's lips are opened, through the first hole and the shielding tube. The ultraviolet light source and the illumination source are distributed around the camera on the working surface.

7. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The main body includes N lighting sources, which are evenly distributed around the camera module on the working surface, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

8. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The main body includes M violet light sources, which are evenly distributed around the camera module on the working surface, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

9. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The camera module includes a lens and an image sensor, and the long-pass filter is located between the lens and the image sensor.

10. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The camera module includes a lens and an image sensor, and the long-pass filter is located on the side of the lens away from the image sensor.

11. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module has a polarizing filter fixedly installed in its optical path.

12. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The camera module has a first linear polarizing mirror fixedly installed in its optical path, and a second linear polarizing mirror is fixedly installed in front of the illumination source. The polarization axes of the first and second linear polarizing mirrors are approximately orthogonal.

13. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The camera module has a first circular polarizer fixedly installed in its optical path, and a second circular polarizer fixedly installed in front of the illumination source. The first and second circular polarizers have opposite chirality.

14. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The lighting source is a white LED, the upper limit of the first wavelength band is less than 450 nm, and the cutoff wavelength of the long-pass filter is less than 450 nm.

15. The dental imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The illumination source is a white LED, the upper limit of the first wavelength band is less than 450 nm, and the upper limit of the notch range of the notch filter is less than 450 nm.

Images