An apparatus for use in the oral cavity to capture an image of oral tissues

Abstract

Devices 10, 60 are for use in the oral cavity and for performing a primary function. An optical imaging system 18 is attached to the device body to capture an image of oral tissue in contact with the imaging system. Contact between the image collection surface of the imaging system and the oral tissue being imaged is detected, and one or more images are stored during the contact for further analysis or transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for use in the oral cavity, such as oral care devices, baby bottle nipples or pacifiers. In particular, it relates to such devices that can capture images for the purpose of screening oral symptoms, for example, to enable the diagnosis of the state of the oral cavity.

Background Art

[0002] Evaluating the surface characteristics of the oral structure can provide useful information regarding an individual's oral and overall health status. Various oral and systemic diseases result in characteristic changes in the morphological and histological features of the oral structure.

[0003] Changes in the tongue and oral mucosa (e.g., hyperplasia, herpes, ulcers) are frequently seen in autoimmune diseases, as well as in hematological, endocrinological and oncological processes. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions has been found to be age-dependent, with an overall prevalence of approximately 12%. Similar prevalence rates have been reported for tongue lesions or diseases. For example, in a study in India, the prevalence of tongue lesions was approximately 14%.

[0004] There is a wide range of very different conditions that can cause changes in the oral cavity and its soft tissues. Autoimmune diseases may present as oral ulcers and tongue lesions. For example, blood diseases such as anemia, erythrocyte disorders and nutritional deficiencies may present with tongue changes such as gingival bleeding or glossitis. Oral changes associated with endocrine diseases are diverse and depend on the underlying disease. Neoplastic changes include metastatic lesions to the bones and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Patients with chronic diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and eating disorders may present with dental erosions that cause pain or bad breath in the oral cavity.

[0005] Furthermore, many newborns and infants suffer from oral thrush, a white film on the lips or tongue due to fungal infection, which is difficult to distinguish from milk residue (milk tongue). Approximately 5 - 10% of infants develop oral thrush, mainly within the first 10 weeks of life, although this problem can also occur later. Oral thrush is also a known problem in "fragile" infants and / or premature babies.

[0006] The oral symptoms of local and systemic diseases progress quite slowly. Without regular follow-up by a dentist, these symptoms are likely to be missed or diagnosed late in the disease progression cycle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] It is known to use imaging systems that analyze the appearance of oral tissues to detect the oral health status. Conventional imaging-based screening tools such as camera-based applications (e.g., using a fixed camera or the camera of a mobile phone) or intraoral scanners are likely to have limited use in this scenario because the compliance of such tools is known to be low. They are usually used sporadically and generally when it is too late (the disease progression has advanced considerably). Additional time, equipment, and cost requirements are important factors in the low compliance of these methods.

[0008] The chronic nature of the disease progression also makes these methods unreliable because they are mostly used on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, most camera-based apps and intraoral scanners operate in a non-contact imaging mode. Therefore, they cannot be used to image the tongue or other oral tissues during normal oral hygiene routines such as brushing teeth because this requires the imaging device to contact the oral tissues during imaging.

[0009] Thus, existing methods for evaluating oral structures (i.e., visual inspection / palpation, camera-based methods using smartphones, or intraoral scanners) have specific drawbacks associated with them, which are Extra scanning time is required and imaging is not included in the workflow using personal care devices, which is an extra hassle for users or experts; Subjectivity in evaluation; The inability to examine the morphological characteristics of oral surfaces as part of oral hygiene routines; Low user compliance because dedicated time, equipment, and accessories are required for evaluation; Typically, it involves the need for another (often time-consuming) scanning procedure (such as up to 2 minutes) by a dental professional.

[0010] There is an interest in having a simple method that can regularly evaluate the surface characteristics of the oral structure without any additional user intervention.

[0011] CN111948798 discloses an endoscope system that uses image analysis to detect the contact between the endoscope and tissue, and as a result, contact warnings and contact prompts can be provided, especially to avoid tissue damage.

[0012] US2013 / 304446 discloses the automatic navigation of an in-vivo imaging capsule. The imaging capsule is propelled along a target direction vector.

[0013] WO2021 / 034905 discloses a toothbrush that collects motion data and contact data and uses them to determine when to activate a therapeutic blue light source.

[0014] US10064711 discloses a toothbrush that uses a position sensor to determine whether all areas of the teeth have been properly brushed. As a result, areas that require additional brushing or flossing can be identified.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0015] The present invention is defined by the claims.

[0016] According to an example according to one aspect of the present invention, To realize a primary function, an apparatus for use in the oral cavity is provided, the apparatus comprising: a main body, an optical imaging system attached to the main body and capturing an image of oral tissue in contact with the optical imaging system, the optical imaging system having an image collection surface, and the capture of the image including a secondary function of the apparatus; and a processor for controlling the collection and / or storage of an image by the optical imaging system. The apparatus is configured to detect contact between the image collection surface and the oral tissue to be imaged. The processor is configured to store at least one or more images during at least the contact for further analysis or transmission.

[0017] The present invention provides an apparatus having a primary oral function (e.g., a tooth treatment function such as brushing, flossing or irrigating, or a baby feeding or sucking function) and providing a secondary imaging function. Images can be collected while performing the primary function (e.g., during brushing), without the need for extra effort such as the user taking a picture of the image with a different device such as a smartphone after brushing.

[0018] Another example of the primary function includes the function of a dental instrument that randomly contacts oral tissue (e.g., the back side of a mirror that touches the cheek).

[0019] While the user is busy with an oral routine (brushing) or feeding an infant or soothing the baby, etc., the surface of an oral device that is not used to perform primary oral functions tends to randomly contact the (other adjacent) tissues in the oral cavity (cheeks, lips, tongue, palate, etc.). The present invention is based on efficiently utilizing this side feature to gain insights into oral health.

[0020] In the case of a treatment device, imaging is performed, for example, on the non-treatment surface of the device. These non-treatment surfaces can contact other tissues in the oral cavity. For example, the back surface of the toothbrush head contacts the tongue or checks the mucosal tissue (e.g., when brushing the lingual or buccal molars, or the lingual or buccal incisors). The head contacts the tongue or cheek especially when a person is brushing with their mouth closed, but frequent and random contact also occurs with a person who is brushing with their mouth open. Thus, this contact can be used for contact-triggered imaging and image storage of the tissue structures adjacent and opposite to the treatment / brushing area. Similarly, in the case of an infant feeding or teething function, the infant's oral tissues may randomly contact the surface of the device during use.

[0021] By detecting the contact at a timing when the image is suitable for storage and subsequent analysis, appropriate images are identified, and for example, only appropriate images are saved. The images can be saved locally, or they can be saved only temporarily for transmission to a remote device and saved on the remote device for further analysis. Thus, contact detection identifies images of interest and the images are processed accordingly, different from identifying images of no interest. For example, images of interest can be processed (e.g., saved in memory vs not held in memory, transmitted vs not transmitted) in a different manner from images of no interest, or images of no interest may not be captured at all.

[0022] Further analysis is typically used to identify oral symptoms or conditions. This further analysis can be performed in real time or offline.

[0023] The optical imaging system has, for example, a fixed-focus camera and / or a contact microscope for contact imaging. Direct contact imaging provides a higher image magnification and resolution, and as a result, the image may have a higher diagnostic value. By saving / processing / transmitting the image only during contact, the amount of data required is reduced. The microscope optics are particularly suitable for contact imaging with a fixed focal length.

[0024] The device can have a device that realizes a primary function for a first oral tissue, and the optical imaging system is for realizing a secondary function for a different second oral tissue.

[0025] This "device" has, for example, toothbrush bristles, a nozzle of an oral irrigator, a drive train of a power toothbrush, or a head of a dental appliance. Therefore, the nature of the device for realizing the primary function depends on the main function of the device.

[0026] The second oral tissue can be of a different type from the first oral tissue (for example, the first oral tissue is a tooth and the second oral tissue is the tongue or cheek), or they can be of the same type but in different positions. The primary function is not intended to be applied to the second oral tissue, for example. The optical imaging system randomly contacts the second oral tissue, for example, during the realization of the primary function.

[0027] The processor is configured to apply a first contact threshold, for example, to detect when the contact occurs, and save one or more images based on the contact. It can also apply a second contact threshold to stop the saving of the image.

[0028] These two thresholds are used to determine an appropriate time period during which the image is captured and saved.

[0029] In one example, the processor is configured to detect contact based on the detection of the image focus. In the case of fixed focus contact imaging, the image is in focus only when it is in contact with the imaging surface. Thus, the image can be captured, and an image suitable for further processing is saved only when contact is detected.

[0030] In another example, the apparatus has a driven part (e.g., a driven head), and the processor is configured to detect contact based on the analysis of the movement of the image. When there is contact between the driven part and the oral tissue, the tissue moves in synchronization with the head, and as a result, the movement of the image during contact is reduced.

[0031] In another example, the apparatus has a driven part and a load sensor for sensing the driving load of the driven part, and the processor is configured to detect contact from the driving load. When an external contact exists, the driving load changes, for example, increases, which can be detected from driving parameters such as current or voltage. Thus, the load sensor is for sensing the driving parameters, and in this way, the actual load is indirectly detected.

[0032] In another example, the apparatus has a force sensor for sensing the force applied to the apparatus, and the processor is configured to detect contact from the sensed force. This force sensor functions as a contact sensor. This can also be applied to, for example, the force applied to a pacifier or a nursing nipple.

[0033] In another example, the apparatus has a proximity sensor, and the processor is configured to detect contact from the output of the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can be optical, or it can be a capacitance sensor.

[0034] In another example, the apparatus has a position detection system, and the processor is configured to detect contact from the output of the position detection system. The position detection system is based on, for example, an inertial monitoring unit that tracks the movement of the apparatus. The position detection of a handheld device is well known, and several positions correspond to tissue contact.

[0035] In one set of examples, the device has an oral care or treatment device, and the primary function is the cleaning or treatment of oral tissues. The oral care function can include flossing, brushing, or irrigating. The oral treatment function can include RF or light-based treatments, or it can include a whitening function for a whitening mouthpiece or a light-supplying mouthpiece.

[0036] In one example, the device has an electric toothbrush, and the primary function is brushing teeth.

[0037] In the case of a toothbrush, it has a platen with a front surface where oral cleaning elements (e.g., bristles) extend, and the image collection surface is on the back or side of the platen. Thus, imaging is based on a surface away from the bristles. This reduces the problem that toothpaste foam interferes with imaging. As described above, for the two functions of the device, there are two different types of oral tissue surfaces.

[0038] In another set of examples, the device has a pacifier for a baby, and the primary function is to provide a pseudo nipple for calming the baby.

[0039] In another set of examples, the device has a nipple for a feeding bottle, and the primary function is to provide a simulated nipple for feeding a baby.

[0040] The present invention also provides a method for capturing an image of the inner surface of the oral cavity using a device for realizing a primary function, the device having a main body and an optical imaging system including an image collection surface, the optical imaging system being attached to the main body for capturing an image of oral tissue in contact with the optical imaging system, the method including: detecting contact between the image collection surface and the oral tissue to be imaged; and saving at least one or more images during at least the above contact for further analysis or transmission. The capturing of the image has a secondary function of the device.

[0041] This method includes applying a first contact threshold to detect when contact occurs, storing one or more images based on the contact, and applying a second contact threshold to stop storing the images.

[0042] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and will be described with reference to the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043]

Figure 1

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0044] For a better understanding of the present invention and to more clearly show the method of its implementation, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative.

[0045] The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0046] The detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention will be more preferably understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the figures are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It is also to be understood that the same reference numbers are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0047] The present invention provides an apparatus for use in the oral cavity for performing a primary function. A fixed-focus camera is attached to the apparatus body as a secondary function to capture an image of oral tissue in contact with the camera. Contact between the image collection surface of the camera and the oral tissue being imaged is detected, and one or more images are saved during the contact for further analysis.

[0048] The apparatus can be any apparatus used to perform a primary function including oral cavity uses such as brushing, dental treatment, gum treatment, flossing, or irrigating. It can also be applied to baby bottles or pacifiers, and dental instruments (mirrors, instruments, etc.).

[0049] The present invention is described with reference to a power toothbrush, but the same principles can be applied to other apparatuses outlined above.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a power toothbrush 10 having a handle 12 and a toothbrush head 14. The head is driven by a drive motor 16. The head is the part that enters the mouth and thus has a body for use in the mouth. The primary function of the toothbrush is of course brushing teeth.

[0051] An optical imaging system, preferably a fixed-focus camera 18 for contact imaging, is attached to the head body to capture an image of oral tissue in contact with the image collection surface of the camera 18. An image of the tissue in contact with the image collection surface is captured. The image collection surface is, for example, a focusing lens. Image capture has a secondary function of the toothbrush. In particular, this secondary function can be executed while the primary function is being executed. Thus, in the case of a toothbrush, image capture can be performed while the user is performing a brushing session.

[0052] The optical imaging system can be recessed in an opening (or an opening with a window), and the desired contact for imaging can be made with the opening or the window.

[0053] The processor 20 is used to control the camera, i.e., to control the collection of images (i.e., the activation of the camera) and / or the storage of images in the memory 22.

[0054] The processor 20 detects the contact between the image collection surface and the oral tissue being imaged and stores one or more images during that contact for further analysis.

[0055] As will be described later, contact detection can utilize image analysis, or it can utilize another sensing. FIG. 1 shows an optional inertial monitoring unit 24 that can be used to determine when contact occurs and an optional separate contact sensor 26 for the same purpose. These options will be described later.

[0056] When image analysis is used for contact detection (and thus no additional sensors are required), images are captured periodically for analysis. When contact is detected, the images are used in different ways, for example they are captured at a higher sampling frequency or with a higher resolution, they are saved for diagnostic purposes (in real time) and analyzed, or they are saved for subsequent analysis for diagnostic purposes (offline). Thus, contact detection may be part of the low-power mode and image capture and saving may be part of the high-power mode.

[0057] When separate contact detection is used, images can only be captured when contact is detected, as a result of which the camera can be put into sleep mode or idle mode at other times. Thus, when contact is detected, the images are captured and saved for further future processing, or they are saved and further processed in real time.

[0058] When image-based contact detection is used, images can be captured continuously, but can only be saved or transmitted when contact occurs, thereby saving power and computational resources.

[0059] In another example, images can be tagged when taken at the time of contact, and only the tagged images are transmitted or further analyzed.

[0060] In all cases, contact detection is used to identify images of interest for further analysis or transmission.

[0061] In all cases, further processing can be used to identify oral and systemic diseases that result in characteristic changes in the morphological and histological features of the oral structures. This image processing is known and will not be described in further detail.

[0062] The first set of examples uses the analysis of camera images to generate skin contact detection signals.

[0063] In closed-focus (microscope) imaging, the depth of the imaging field is very small, so the image appears sharp only when there is contact with oral tissues such as the tongue. Determination of focus by image analysis is well known, and for example, focus detection based on contrast is used. The obtained image is then processed to determine its characteristics.

[0064] If the obtained image has a certain quality (e.g., light intensity, sharpness, contrast), it is considered that there is contact with the tissue, and image storage is started.

[0065] Another image-based method that can be used in the case of a driven device (such as a powered toothbrush) is to evaluate whether the image is moving under the influence of vibration. The movement of the image is significantly reduced when the toothbrush head is in contact to a certain extent, or in some cases, it even stops when, for example, the lingual papilla can follow a movement of, for example, 200 Hz. Therefore, the image is saved only when the movement of the image is small relative to the natural frequency of the brush head. Also in this case, various methods such as detection based on contrast or detection based on blurring can be used for detection.

[0066] Other sensors, such as a separate proximity sensor like a capacitance sensor or a force sensor like a Hall sensor, can also be used to determine tissue contact. All of these options are intended to be represented by the sensor 26 in FIG. 1.

[0067] Another option is to use the position information provided by the brush itself using the IMU 24. It is known to use different sensors such as the IMU 24 to determine the position of a powered toothbrush in the oral cavity. Then, the position information can be used to obtain which oral tissues are in the vicinity (or on the opposite side) of the brush head and are contacted by the camera.

[0068] Another option for the powered toothbrush is to monitor the drive train current to detect changes due to tissue contact (such as amplitude decay, phase change, or delay). Thus, this monitoring functions as load sensing for the drive train of the device.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a toothbrush head 14 having a platen 30 with a front face 32 from which bristles 33 extend. The camera 18 has two image collection surfaces 34 on the back face 36 of the platen. The image collection surface or surfaces may alternatively be on the side of the platen.

[0070] Thus, the image collection is from an area remote from the treatment area. In the case of brushing, this area is less likely to have the image obscured by toothpaste foam.

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a method of capturing an image of the inner surface of the oral cavity using the device described above.

[0072] In step 40, the device is used for its primary purpose, for example, brushing teeth in the case of a toothbrush.

[0073] In step 42, contact between the image collection surface and the oral tissue to be imaged is detected. This detection utilizes, for example, a first threshold th1. As described above, this can utilize image analysis based on an image already captured. However, FIG. 3 instead shows an example based on contact detection by another alternative method, such that the camera can be shut down when there is no contact. This can provide a lower power solution than using image analysis to detect contact.

[0074] Thereafter, an image is captured and saved in step 44 for further analysis.

[0075] Further analysis is shown as step 46. As described above, it can be performed in real time by the device itself (the toothbrush's processor), or it can be performed offline by another device to which the image is communicated. The further analysis can be used by the user. For example, the device may provide a diagnosis and recommend, for example, a visit to a doctor / dentist, or the further analysis may be used by a medical expert.

[0076] At step 48, it is detected when contact is lost. This uses a second threshold th2 that is lower than the first threshold. Thus, the image continues to be captured until the contact quality falls below a threshold that is lower than the threshold used to start image storage.

[0077] At step 50, when contact is lost, the camera enters sleep mode (because in this example images are not required for contact detection).

[0078] The above example relates to oral hygiene (toothbrush, floss system, irrigator). Instead, the present invention can be applied to a nipple of a baby bottle or a pacifier nipple.

[0079] During breastfeeding or sucking on a pacifier, the baby periodically and actively engages with the nipple.

[0080] Figure 4 shows a nipple 60, which may be the outlet of a baby bottle or it may be a pacifier nipple (basically in the form of a nipple without an outlet).

[0081] Figure 4 shows a lens 62 that forms an image collection surface, a camera hardware 64, and a power and controller unit 66. The image collection surface is around the base of the nipple to image the lips when the nipple is in use.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows different positions with respect to the nipple 62, again showing the camera hardware 64 and the power supply and controller unit 66. For imaging the tongue during nipple use, the image collection surface is near the tip of the nipple. An optical fiber 68 couples the receiving lens to the camera hardware.

[0083] The nipple 60 can be sterilized or cleaned after use by providing the camera module as a click-in unit that is applied to and then removed from the nipple.

[0084] The image processing of the captured and stored images includes, for example, spectral analysis to distinguish between white milk tongue coating and oral thrush tongue coating, thereby enabling a differential diagnosis to be provided to the user.

[0085] The nursing bottle nipple or teething nipple can be used during breastfeeding / teething, or it can be used as an additional accessory, for example, after breastfeeding, to diagnose other any intraoral problems such as anatomical defects (inner lip fissures, palate abnormalities or deformities) or analysis of sucking force.

[0086] There are various possible diagnostic functions enabled by the system. It can be used, for example, for imaging the health state of the tongue surface (detection of coating, discoloration, lesions, breaks in continuity (fissures), etc.) and for differential diagnosis of general pathological conditions.

[0087] The image reconstruction of the features of the tongue or other tissues uses only in-focus images to reconstruct the 2D or 3D tongue morphology. The images can be analyzed to select images without toothpaste and saliva.

[0088] Image analysis can be used for the diagnosis of benign and malignant oral lesions (oral mucosa, erythema, blisters, herpes). The use of longitudinal data enables early detection.

[0089] Modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art of practicing the invention as claimed from a consideration of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0090] Functions implemented by a processor can be implemented by a single processor or by a plurality of individual processing units that together are considered to form a "processor". Such processing units may in some cases be physically separated from each other and may communicate with each other, either wired or wirelessly (optionally).

[0091] The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used advantageously.

[0092] A computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems (optionally).

[0093] It should be noted that, when the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the specification, the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". It should also be noted that, when the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or the specification, the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0094] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in the oral cavity for realizing a primary function, comprising: a main body; an optical imaging system attached to the main body, which captures an image of oral tissue in contact with the optical imaging system, the optical imaging system having an image collection surface, and the capture of the image including a secondary function of the apparatus, the optical imaging system; a processor for controlling the collection and / or storage of the image by the optical imaging system; the apparatus detecting contact between the image collection surface and the oral tissue to be imaged; the processor storing at least one or more images during at least the contact, and the contact detection being used to identify an image of interest for further analysis or transmission, the apparatus.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical imaging system has a fixed-focus camera and / or a contact microscope for contact imaging.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, having an apparatus for realizing the primary function with respect to a first oral tissue, and the optical imaging system being for realizing the secondary function with respect to a different second oral tissue.

4. The processor: applies a first contact threshold to detect when contact occurs, and stores the one or more images based on the contact; optionally, applies a second contact threshold to stop image storage, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor detects the contact based on detection of an image focus and / or a reflected light intensity level of an image captured by the optical imaging system.

6. The apparatus has a driven part, the processor detects the contact based on analysis of movement of an image captured by the optical imaging system, or the apparatus further has a load sensor for detecting a driving load of the driven part, and the processor detects the contact from the detected driving load, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having a force sensor for detecting a force applied to the apparatus, and the processor detecting the contact from the detected force.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having a proximity sensor, and the processor detecting the contact from an output of the proximity sensor.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having a position detection system, wherein the processor detects the contact from the output of the position detection system.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, having an oral care or treatment device, wherein the primary function is cleaning or treating oral tissues.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, having an oral cleaning device.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, having a platen with a front surface along which an oral cleaning element extends, wherein the image collection surface is on the back side or side surface of the platen.

13. A baby pacifier, wherein the primary function is to provide a pseudo nipple for soothing the baby, or A nipple of a feeding bottle, wherein the primary function is to provide a pseudo nipple for feeding a baby, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 having a nipple of a feeding bottle.

14. In a method of capturing an image of the inner surface of the oral cavity using an apparatus for realizing a primary function, the apparatus including a main body and an optical imaging system attached to the main body and having an image collection surface, the optical imaging system capturing an image of oral tissues in contact with the optical imaging system, the method comprising: detecting contact between the image collection surface and the oral tissues to be imaged; saving one or more images at least during the contact, wherein the contact detection is used to identify an image of interest for further analysis or transmission; The method, wherein the capture of the image has a secondary function of the apparatus.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising applying a first contact threshold to detect when contact has been made and saving the one or more images based on the contact, and optionally applying a second contact threshold to stop saving the images.

Images