Imaging device and imaging system

Abstract

To provide an imaging device and imaging system more suitable for imaging the oral cavity. [Solution] The imaging device 200 includes a main body formed in a substantially columnar shape with a predetermined length between its base and tip, and configured such that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the direction in which it is inserted into the oral cavity 712; a grip configured to be positioned on the base side of the main body and on the same line as the main body for the user to grasp; a camera configured to be positioned on the base side of the main body or inside the main body and on the same line as the main body for capturing an image of a subject based on reflected light irradiated from a light source and reflected off the oral cavity; and a display configured to be positioned on the same line as the main body for displaying the image of a subject captured by the camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device and an imaging system for imaging the oral cavity of a subject.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been known for a doctor to observe changes in the condition of a subject's oral cavity and make a diagnosis, for example, of a viral cold. Patent Document 1 describes an intraoral photographic imaging system capable of taking a photograph of the inside of the oral cavity. In such an intraoral photographic imaging system, a light-camera subunit in which a camera is disposed is moved forward of the oral cavity by operating a handle disposed around the camera to image a predetermined site inside the oral cavity. Further, the captured photograph is output to a monitor provided separately from the light-camera subunit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, based on the above-described technologies, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging device and an imaging system suitable for imaging the oral cavity according to various embodiments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an imaging device is provided, comprising: a main body having a base end and a tip, the distance between the base end and the tip being formed into a substantially columnar shape of a predetermined length, and configured such that at least the tip can be inserted into the oral cavity, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the direction of insertion into the oral cavity; one or more light sources configured to be positioned on the base end side of the main body or inside the main body for irradiating light of a predetermined frequency band toward the oral cavity; a grip formed on the base end side of the main body, in a substantially columnar shape of a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body, and configured to be positioned on the same line as the main body for the user to grasp; a camera configured to be positioned on the base end side of the main body or inside the main body and on the same line as the main body for capturing an image of a subject based on reflected light irradiated from the light sources and reflected toward the oral cavity; and a display configured on the opposite side of the grip from the oral cavity and positioned on the same line as the main body for displaying the image of a subject captured by the camera.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an imaging system is provided that includes "an imaging device described above, and a processing device that is communicatively connected to the imaging device by wire or wireless means and configured to process subject images captured by the imaging device." [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Various embodiments of this disclosure can provide imaging devices and imaging systems that are more suitable for imaging the oral cavity.

[0008] The effects described above are merely illustrative for the sake of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to, or in lieu of, any other effects described herein or that would be obvious to those skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the state of use of the imaging system 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows the state of use of the imaging system 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a top view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a side view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a front view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D is a bottom view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a perspective view showing the configuration of an auxiliary device 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a side view showing the configuration of an auxiliary device 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state of use of an imaging device 200 and an auxiliary device 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the display 203 of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the mounting state of the imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] Figure 12A is a top view showing the configuration of a mounting base 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a perspective view showing the configuration of a mounting base 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are assigned to common components in the drawings. <First Embodiment> 1. Overview of the Imaging System 1 The imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure is mainly used to image the inside of a subject's oral cavity to obtain a subject image. In particular, the imaging system 1 is used to image the vicinity of the back of the throat in the oral cavity, specifically, the pharynx. Therefore, in the following, the case where the imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure is used for imaging the pharynx will be mainly described. However, the pharynx is an example of an imaging site, and of course, as long as it is within the oral cavity, even other sites can preferably use the imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0011] As an example, the imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure is used to output a subject image obtained by imaging the pharynx of the oral cavity. Therefore, in the following, the case of outputting a subject image of the pharynx using the imaging system 1 will be described. Of course, the imaging system 1 is not limited to simply outputting a subject image. For example, the imaging system 1 can also be used to image the pharynx of the oral cavity to determine the possibility of a subject being infected with influenza. The determination of the possibility of influenza infection is an example. Of course, as long as it is a determination of a disease in which differences in findings in the oral cavity appear due to being infected, any one can be preferably used. Examples of such diseases include streptococcal infection, adenovirus infection, Epstein-Barr virus infection, mycoplasma infection, hypertension, and the like.

[0012] In the present disclosure, terms such as "determination" and "diagnosis" for a disease are used, but these do not necessarily mean a definitive determination or diagnosis by a doctor. For example, the imaging system 1 of the present disclosure may be used by the imaging subject himself / herself or by a user other than a doctor, and may be determined or diagnosed by the processing device 100 included in the imaging system 1, or may naturally include assisting a definitive determination or diagnosis by a doctor.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage state of the imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage state of the imaging device 200 among the imaging systems 1 according to the present disclosure. According to FIG. 1, the user inserts the imaging device 200 into the inside of the auxiliary tool 300 so that the imaging device 200 is covered by the auxiliary tool 300, and inserts the imaging device 200 inserted into the auxiliary tool 300 into the oral cavity 712 of the subject. Therefore, the imaging device 200 is used to image the inside of the oral cavity 712. Specifically, first, the imaging device 200 is inserted into the inside of the auxiliary tool 300 from the tip by the user (who may be the subject 700 himself / herself or a person different from the subject 700). Then, the imaging device 200 is inserted into the oral cavity 712 in a state of being covered by the auxiliary tool 300. At this time, the tip of the auxiliary tool 300 is inserted through the front teeth 711 to the vicinity of the soft palate 713. Then, in a state where the auxiliary tool 300 is inserted into the oral cavity 712, the imaging device 200 is inserted into the auxiliary tool 300 from the tip. That is, the imaging device 200 is inserted through the front teeth 711 to the vicinity of the soft palate 713. At this time, the tongue 714 is pushed downward by the auxiliary tool 300 (functioning as a tongue depressor), and the movement of the tongue 714 is restricted. Then, a good visual field of the imaging device 200 is ensured, and the pharynx 715 located in front of the imaging device 200 is imaged.

[0014] The captured subject image (image of the pharynx 715) is transmitted from the imaging device 200 to the processing device 100, which is connected via wired or wireless communication. Upon receiving the subject image, the processor of the processing device 100 processes a program stored in the memory of the processing device 100 to determine the possibility of influenza infection based on the subject image. The result is then output to a display or the like.

[0015] Here, Figure 2 shows the state of use of the imaging system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2 shows the state in which the imaging device 200 of the imaging system 1 is held by the user 600. According to Figure 2, the imaging device 200 is composed of a main body 201, a grip 202, and a display 203, from the side inserted into the oral cavity. The main body 201 and grip 202 are formed in a substantially columnar shape of a predetermined length along the insertion direction H into the oral cavity. The display 203 is positioned on the opposite side of the grip 202 from the main body 201 side. Therefore, the imaging device 200 as a whole is formed in a substantially columnar shape and is held by the user 600 in a manner similar to holding a pencil, as shown in Figure 2. In other words, in the state of use, the display panel of the display 203 faces the user 600, making it possible to easily handle the imaging device 200 while checking the subject image captured by the imaging device 200 in real time.

[0016] Furthermore, when the user 600 holds the grip 202 with the subject image displayed on the display 203 in the normal orientation, the imaging button 220 is positioned on the upper side of the grip. Therefore, when the user 600 holds the grip, they can easily press the imaging button 220 with their index finger or the like.

[0017] In this disclosure, the subject image may be a video or a still image. As an example of operation, when the power button is pressed, the camera captures a through image and displays the captured through image on the display 203. Then, when the user presses the capture button, the camera captures one or more still images and displays the captured images on the display 203. Alternatively, when the user presses the capture button, video recording begins, and the images being captured by the camera are displayed on the display 203 during this time. Then, when the capture button is pressed again, video recording ends. In this way, various images such as through images, still images, and videos are captured by the camera and displayed on the display during this series of operations, but the subject image does not mean only a specific image among these, but may include all images captured by the camera.

[0018] 2. Configuration of imaging system 1 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 3, the imaging system 1 includes a processing unit 100 and an imaging device 200 that is connected to the processing unit 100 via wired or wireless communication. The processing unit 100 receives operation input from the user and controls imaging by the imaging device 200. The processing unit 100 also processes the subject image captured by the imaging device 200 and outputs the processed image to the user, subject, etc.

[0019] The imaging device 200 has at least its tip inserted into the subject's oral cavity to image the oral cavity, particularly the pharynx. The specific imaging process will be described later. The captured subject images are transmitted to the processing device 100 via a wired cable or wireless communication.

[0020] Furthermore, the imaging system 1 may include a mounting platform 400 as needed. This mounting platform 400 can stably support the imaging device 200. The mounting platform 400 can also be connected to a power supply via a wired cable, allowing power to be supplied from the power supply terminal of the mounting platform 400 to the imaging device 200 through the power supply port of the imaging device 200.

[0021] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 4, the imaging system 1 includes a processing unit 100 including a processor 111, memory 112, input interface 113, display 114 and communication interface 115, and an imaging device 200 including a camera 211, light source 212, processor 213, memory 214, display panel 215, input interface 210 and communication interface 216. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. Note that the imaging system 1 does not need to include all the components shown in Figure 3; it is possible to omit some components or add other components. For example, the imaging system 1 may include a battery for driving each component.

[0022] The processor 111 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the imaging system 1 based on a program stored in the memory 112. Based on the program stored in the memory 112, the processor 111 controls the operation of the camera 211 and the light source 212, and also stores subject images received from the imaging device 200 in the memory 112 and processes the stored subject images. Specifically, the processor 111 accepts instruction input from the user to the input interface 113 and executes processes such as turning on the light source 212 and instructing the camera 211 to take images, extracting still images to be used for determining the likelihood of disease from the captured images, processing the extracted images to determine the likelihood of a predetermined disease, and outputting the captured images and determination results to the display 114, etc., based on the program stored in the memory 112. The processor 111 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but a GPU or the like may be combined as appropriate.

[0023] Memory 112 is composed of RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. Memory 112 stores instruction commands for various controls of the imaging system 1 according to this embodiment as programs. Specifically, memory 112 stores programs for the processor 111 to execute, such as receiving instruction input from the user to the input interface 113, turning on the light source 212 and instructing the camera 211 to take images, extracting still images to be used for determining the likelihood of disease from the captured images, determining the likelihood of a predetermined disease by performing predetermined processing on the extracted images, and outputting the captured images and determination results to the display 114, etc. In addition to these programs, memory 112 also stores subject images captured by the camera 211 of the imaging device 200, the results of the disease determination by the processor 111, and various information about the subject, including the subject 700.

[0024] In this embodiment, the processor 111 determines the likelihood of a disease such as influenza from the captured image. As an example of the specific processing involved, a large number of images, including pharyngeal images of influenza patients labeled to indicate whether or not they have influenza, are generated as training data, and a determination algorithm is generated using machine learning. Then, by applying the image captured by the imaging device 200 to this determination algorithm, the probability of influenza is quantified (e.g., "98.5%") and displayed. This probability may not be expressed as a specific numerical value, but rather by combining, for example, a "positive" or "negative" judgment, or a graded evaluation such as high, medium, or low.

[0025] The input interface 113 functions as an input unit that receives user instructions for the processing unit 100 and the imaging device 200. An example of the input interface 113 is a "record button" for instructing the start and end of recording by the imaging device 200, a "confirm button" for making various selections, a "back / cancel button" for returning to the previous screen or canceling an entered confirmation operation, a directional pad for moving icons displayed on the display 114, and an on / off key for turning the processing unit 100 on and off. These various buttons and keys may be physically provided as described above, or they may be displayed as icons on the display 114 and selectable using the input interface 113, such as a mouse or keyboard. Although not specifically shown in the figures, the input interface 113 can also be a touch panel superimposed on the display 114 and having an input coordinate system corresponding to the display coordinate system of the display 114. The method for detecting user instructions via the touch panel may be any method, such as capacitive or resistive touch. Furthermore, it is not necessarily required that the operation input to the imaging device 200 be performed via the input interface 113 of the processing unit 100. It is also possible to perform the operation using the input interface provided on the imaging device 200.

[0026] The display 114 functions as a display unit for displaying subject images captured by the imaging device 200. It is composed of a liquid crystal panel, but is not limited to a liquid crystal panel; it may also be composed of an organic EL display, a plasma display, or the like.

[0027] The communication interface 115 functions as a communication unit for sending and receiving information with the imaging device 200 and / or other devices. Examples of information to be sent and received include various commands to the imaging device 200, such as instructions for starting imaging, ending imaging, and transferring subject images, as well as information about the subject, and subject images received from the imaging device 200. Examples of such a communication interface 115 include various wired communication terminals, such as serial communication terminals like USB and parallel communication terminals like IEEE1284. In addition to, or instead of, such wired communication terminals, it is also possible to provide a wireless communication interface that employs a wideband wireless communication method such as the LTE method, or a narrowband wireless communication method such as wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11 or Bluetooth®.

[0028] Camera 211 is driven by instructions from the processing unit 100 and functions as an imaging unit that detects reflected light reflected from the oral cavity, which is the subject, and generates an image of the subject. To detect this light, camera 211 includes, for example, a CMOS image sensor, and a lens system and drive system to realize the desired function. The image sensor is not limited to a CMOS image sensor; other sensors such as a CCD image sensor can also be used. Camera 211 may have an autofocus function, although not specifically shown in the figures, and it is preferable that the focus be set to a specific area in front of the lens, for example. Furthermore, camera 211 may have a zoom function, and it is preferable that it is set to image at an appropriate magnification depending on the size of the pharynx or influenza follicle.

[0029] It is known that lymphoid follicles appearing in the deepest part of the pharynx, located within the oral cavity, exhibit a pattern specific to influenza. These lymphoid follicles with a specific pattern are called influenza follicles, and they are a characteristic sign of influenza, appearing approximately two hours after the onset of symptoms. As described above, the imaging system 1 of this embodiment can also be used to determine the likelihood of a subject contracting influenza by imaging the pharynx in the oral cavity and detecting the above-mentioned follicles. In other words, in this embodiment, the camera 211 is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject and used to image the pharynx located deep within the oral cavity, so the distance between the camera 211 and the subject is relatively close. Therefore, the camera 211 has a field of view (2θ) such that the value calculated by [(distance from the tip of the camera 211 to the posterior pharyngeal wall) * tanθ] is 20 mm or more vertically and 40 mm or more horizontally. By using a camera with such a field of view, it becomes possible to image a wider range even when the camera 211 and the subject are in close proximity. Therefore, while it is possible to use a normal camera for the camera 211, it is also possible to use cameras known as wide-angle cameras or ultra-wide-angle cameras.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main subject imaged by the camera 211 is the pharynx or influenza follicles formed in the pharyngeal region. Generally, the pharynx is formed in a recessed direction, so if the depth of field is shallow, the focus will shift between the anterior and posterior parts of the pharynx, making it difficult to obtain a subject image suitable for use in the processing device 100. Therefore, the camera 211 has a depth of field of at least 20 mm, preferably 30 mm or more. By using a camera with such a depth of field, it is possible to obtain a subject image that is in focus at any point from the anterior to the posterior part of the pharynx.

[0031] The light source 212 is driven by instructions from the processing device 100 or the imaging device 200 and functions as a light source unit for irradiating light into the oral cavity. The light source 212 includes one or more light sources. In this embodiment, the light source 212 is composed of one or more LEDs, and light having a predetermined frequency band is irradiated from each LED toward the oral cavity. The light source 212 uses light having a desired band from the ultraviolet light band, visible light band, infrared light band, or a combination thereof. When the processing device 100 determines whether a patient has a disease such as influenza, it is preferable to use light in the short wavelength band of the ultraviolet light band. When light in this band is irradiated onto influenza follicles, specific components of the influenza follicles react, which may allow for a more reliable determination of whether a patient has a disease.

[0032] The processor 213 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the imaging device 200 based on a program stored in the memory 214. Based on the program stored in the memory 214, the processor 213 controls the operation of the camera 211 and the light source 212, and also controls the storage of subject images captured by the camera 211 in the memory 214. The processor 213 also controls the output of subject images and subject information stored in the memory 214 to the display 203 and their transmission to the processing unit 100. The processor 213 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may be combined with other processors as appropriate.

[0033] Memory 214 consists of RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. Memory 214 stores instruction commands for various controls of the imaging device 200 as programs. In addition to these programs, memory 214 also stores subject images captured by the camera 211, various information about the subject including the subject 700, and other relevant information.

[0034] The display panel 215 is provided on the display 203 and functions as a display unit for displaying subject images captured by the imaging device 200. It is composed of a liquid crystal panel, but is not limited to a liquid crystal panel; it may also be composed of an organic EL display, plasma display, or the like.

[0035] The input interface 210 functions as an input unit that receives user instructions for the processing unit 100 and the imaging device 200. An example of the input interface 210 is a "record button" for instructing the start and end of recording by the imaging device 200, a "power button" for turning the power of the imaging device 200 on and off, a "confirm button" for making various selections, a "back / cancel button" for returning to the previous screen or canceling an entered confirmation operation, and a directional key for moving icons displayed on the display 114. These various buttons and keys may be physically provided, or they may be displayed as icons on the display 215 and made selectable using a touch panel or the like superimposed on the display 215 as the input interface 210. The method for detecting user instructions via the touch panel may be any method, such as capacitive or resistive touch.

[0036] The communication interface 216 functions as a communication unit for sending and receiving information with the imaging device 200 and / or other devices. Examples of information to be sent and received include various commands and subject information received from the imaging device 200, such as instructions for starting imaging, ending imaging, and transferring subject images, as well as subject images transmitted to the imaging device 200. Such a communication interface 115 is provided in accordance with the communication interface of the processing unit 100, and examples include various wired communication terminals such as serial communication terminals such as USB and parallel communication terminals such as IEEE1284. In addition to, or instead of, such wired communication terminals, it is also possible to provide a wireless communication interface that employs a wideband wireless communication method such as the LTE method, or a narrowband wireless communication method such as wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11 or Bluetooth®.

[0037] 3. Configuration of the imaging device 200 The imaging system 1 according to this disclosure includes an imaging device 200 that captures images for processing by a processing device 100. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. According to Figure 5, the imaging device 200 includes a main body 201 in which a camera 211 is housed on its inner surface and which is capable of guiding light emitted from a light source 212 into the main body 201, a grip 202 connected to the base end of the main body 201 and held by the user, a diffuser plate 219 positioned at the tip of the main body 201, and a display 203 connected to the base end of the grip 202 and capable of outputting subject images captured by the camera 211.

[0038] Furthermore, the upper surface of the grip 202 is provided with an imaging button 220 for the user 600 to press with their finger to start and stop imaging of the subject, and a power button 221 for instructing the user to turn the power of the imaging device 200 on and off. In other words, the start and end of imaging by the imaging device 200, and the on and off of the power, may be controlled by instructions from the processing unit 100, or they may be controlled by pressing these buttons on the imaging device 200.

[0039] Figure 6A is a top view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B is a side view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6C is a front view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6D is a bottom view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The specific configuration of the imaging device 200 will be described below with reference to Figures 6A to 6D.

[0040] According to Figure 6A, the main body 201 is composed of a columnar body having a base end 225 and a tip end 222, and having a predetermined length in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which light is irradiated from the light source 212, i.e., the direction H in which it is inserted into the oral cavity. At least the tip end 222 of the main body 201 is inserted into the oral cavity.

[0041] The main body 201 is formed in a hollow cylindrical column shape with a perfectly circular cross-section. Its wall portion 224 can be made of any material capable of guiding light into its interior, and one example is that it can be made using a thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyolefin resins such as chain polyolefin resins (polypropylene resins, etc.) and cyclic polyolefin resins (norbornene resins, etc.), cellulose ester resins such as triacetylcellulose and diacetylcellulose, polyester resins, polycarbonate resins, (meth)acrylic resins, polystyrene resins, or mixtures or copolymers thereof. In other words, the wall portion 224 of the main body 201 functions as a light guide for guiding light irradiated from a light source towards the oral cavity or the diffuser plate.

[0042] Since the main body 201 is formed hollow, a housing space 223 is formed on its inner surface by the wall portion 224. The camera 211 is housed in this housing space 223. The main body 201 only needs to be formed in a columnar shape having the housing space 223. Therefore, the housing space 223 does not need to have a cylindrical cross-section with a perfect circle; its cross-section may be elliptical or polygonal. Also, the main body 201 does not necessarily need to be formed hollow inside.

[0043] Here, the length of the main body 201 is determined, for example, by its positional relationship with the subject's incisors. Generally, a subject forms an oral cavity extending from the incisors towards the back of the throat, with the pharynx, the subject of the imaging, located at its deepest point. Therefore, in order to image the pharynx, the imaging device 200 needs to be inserted to the vicinity of the soft palate. A subject has a distance d1 from their incisors to their soft palate. According to "Measurement of Upper Airway Diameter in Sleep Apnea Syndrome (Nobuo Otani)" J.Jpn.Bronchoesophagol.Soc. (Journal of the Japanese Society for Air and Food Science), Vol.40, No.5, pp.396-402, this distance d1 is generally around 70-100 mm to 200-100 mm.

[0044] Returning to Figure 6A, in this embodiment, the main body 201 has a distance D1, which is the length from the tip 222 to the base 225. This distance D1 should be 0% to 90%, preferably 5% to 80%, of the distance d1 from the incisors to the soft palate. Generally, inserting a foreign object into the back of the throat can cause a feeling of nausea, while if the main body 201 is too short, the distance between the camera 211 and the subject becomes too far. With the above distance D1, it is possible to prevent the feeling of nausea while also maintaining an appropriate distance from the subject.

[0045] The grip 202 has its tip connected to the base end 225 of the main body 201. The user grasps the grip 202 to perform operations such as inserting and removing the imaging device 200. The grip 202 is made of a columnar body of a predetermined length, positioned substantially parallel to the direction H in which it is inserted into the oral cavity, that is, along the longitudinal direction of the main body 201, and is arranged on the same straight line as the main body 201 in direction H. In this embodiment, the cross-section in the vertical direction is formed to be substantially oval, but it does not have to be oval; it may be a perfect circle, ellipse, or polygon.

[0046] Here, the width of the main body 201 in a direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the tip 222 and the base 225 of the main body 201 (distance D2) is determined, for example, in relation to the vertical opening width of the subject's mouth. The subject has a vertical opening width of the mouth of distance d2. According to "Statistical study on the maximum opening amount in healthy Japanese adult temporomandibular joints (Tsukahara Hiroyasu et al.)" Journal of the Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 159-167, the average distance d2 for a typical adult male is 3.5 cm to 4.0 cm.

[0047] In this embodiment, the imaging device 200 is inserted together with the auxiliary device 300 within the width of this distance d2, and the user may take images while observing the inside of the oral cavity through the gap in which each is inserted. Therefore, it is beneficial that the imaging device 200 does not obstruct the user's visibility when inserted. Accordingly, the distance D2 of the main body 201 should be 80% or less, preferably 60% or less, of the vertical opening width of the mouth, or 3.2 cm or less, preferably 2.4 cm or less.

[0048] The grip 202 has a connecting portion 230 formed at the position closest to the base end 225 of the main body 201, and is connected to the main body 201 via this connecting portion 230. The outer circumference of the connecting portion 230 has engaging projections 217 (217-1 to 217-4) and positioning projections 218 for positioning the auxiliary device 300. The engaging projections 217 engage with the engaging projections 318 (318-1 to 318-4) provided on the auxiliary device 300. The positioning projections 218 are inserted into insertion holes 321 provided on the auxiliary device 300 to position the imaging device 200 and the auxiliary device 300 relative to each other. In this embodiment, the engaging projections 217 of the main body 201 consist of a total of four engaging projections (engaging projections 217-1 to 217-4), which are arranged at equal intervals on the surface of the grip 202 near the base end 225 of the main body 201. Furthermore, one positioning projection 218 is positioned between the engaging projections 217 on the surface of the grip 202, near the base end 225 of the main body 201. However, this is not the only option; either the engaging projection 217 or the positioning projection 218 may be provided. The number of each of the engaging projections 217 and positioning projections 218 may also be any number, as long as there is one or more.

[0049] Furthermore, the grip 202 includes an imaging button 220 on its upper surface, near the base end 225 of the main body 201, that is, near the tip in the insertion direction H of the grip 202 into the oral cavity. This allows the user 600 to easily press the imaging button 220 with their index finger or the like when holding the device. Additionally, the power button 221 is located on the upper surface of the grip 202, near the display 203, that is, on the opposite side of the grip 202 from the imaging button 220. This prevents the user 600 from accidentally pressing the power button 221 while holding the device and taking images.

[0050] The display 203 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape overall and is positioned on the same straight line as the main body 201 in direction H. The display 203 also includes a display panel on the side opposite to the direction H in which it is inserted into the oral cavity (i.e., the direction towards the user). Therefore, the display 203 is formed such that the side containing the display panel is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 201 and grip 202, which are formed to be approximately parallel to the direction H in which it is inserted into the oral cavity. The display 203 is connected to the grip 202 on the side opposite to the side containing the display panel, away from the oral cavity. Note that the shape of the display is not limited to a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape; it may be any shape, such as cylindrical.

[0051] Here, the imaging device 200 can be mounted vertically such that the surface including the display panel is in contact with the mounting surface. Therefore, at least the outer periphery of the surface including the display panel of the display 203 is formed on a substantially flat surface suitable for mounting.

[0052] The diffuser plate 219 is positioned at the tip 222 of the main body 201 and diffuses the light that has been irradiated from the light source 212 and passed through the main body 201 towards the inside of the oral cavity. The diffuser plate 219 has a shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the main body 201 that is configured to guide light. In this embodiment, the main body 201 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. Therefore, the cross-section of the diffuser plate 219 is also formed in a hollow shape corresponding to its shape.

[0053] Camera 211 is used to generate an image of a subject by detecting the reflected light that is diffused from the diffuser plate 219, irradiated into the oral cavity, and reflected back to the subject. Camera 211 is positioned in a housing space 223 formed on the inner surface of the wall portion 224 of the main body 201, i.e., inside the main body 201, so as to be on the same straight line as the main body 201 in direction H. In this embodiment, only one camera 211 is described, but the imaging device 200 may include multiple cameras. By generating an image of a subject using multiple cameras, the image of the subject will include information about its three-dimensional shape. In this embodiment, camera 211 is positioned in the housing space 223 of the main body 201, but it may also be positioned at the tip 222 of the main body 201 or on the main body 201 (either inside the main body 201 or on the outer circumference of the main body 201).

[0054] As shown in Figure 6B, in a side view, the main unit 201, grip 202, display 203, and camera 211 are arranged on the same straight line along the direction H in which the device is inserted into the oral cavity. Furthermore, as explained in Figure 6A, the imaging button 220 and power button 221 are positioned on the surface that becomes the top surface when the imaging device 200 is placed horizontally with the subject image displayed on the display 203 in its normal orientation.

[0055] The grip 202 houses a battery that provides power to drive each element of the imaging device 200. Specifically, the grip 202 has an internal storage space 232 for housing the battery, and the battery can be housed in this storage space 232. Here, the imaging device 200 has a central axis C1 along the longitudinal direction of the main body 201, which is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape (i.e., the direction H in which it is inserted into the oral cavity). It is desirable that the battery storage space 232 be formed so that at least part or all of it is located below this central axis C1 when the imaging device 200 is placed horizontally with the subject image displayed on the display 203 in the normal orientation. By positioning the storage space 232 below the central axis C1 of the main body 201 in this way, it becomes possible to house a battery of considerable weight below the central axis C1. In this way, when the user grasps the grip 202 of the imaging device 200, the center of gravity is located lower, enabling more stable operation.

[0056] According to Figure 6C, in a front view from the tip 222 side of the main body 201, the grip 202 and the display 203 are positioned on a line along the central axis C1 of the main body 201 (on a line in the depth direction in Figure 6C). Furthermore, a camera 211 is positioned inside the main body 201 on the same line along the central axis C1, enabling it to detect reflected light from a subject entering from the tip of the main body 201.

[0057] Furthermore, the main body 201 is formed in a hollow columnar shape with its longitudinal side formed in the direction of insertion into the oral cavity (depth direction in Figure 6C) by the wall portion 224, and a diffuser plate 219 is provided at the very front of the wall portion 224. On the other hand, a light source 212 is provided at the rear end of the wall portion 224 (i.e., the base end 225 side of the main body 201), and the light emitted from the light source 212 is arranged to pass through the wall portion 224 and irradiate the oral cavity through the diffuser plate 219.

[0058] A grip 202 is connected to the base end 225 (not shown) of the main body 201 via a connecting portion 230. The connecting portion 230 is formed in the same cylindrical shape as the main body 201, so as to follow the outer circumference of the main body 201, which has a cylindrical cross-section. On the outer circumference of the cylindrical connecting portion 230, four engaging protrusions 217-1 to 217-4 are arranged at equal intervals, and one positioning protrusion 218 is also arranged. Note that although Figure 6C shows four engaging protrusions and one positioning protrusion, other numbers may be used.

[0059] In a front view from the tip 222 side of the main body 201, a storage space 232 is provided in the grip 202 such that at least part or all of it is below the central axis C1 of the main body 201, and the battery is housed in the storage space 232.

[0060] According to Figure 6D, the input / output terminals 229 and the power supply port 228 are located on the side that becomes the bottom surface when the imaging device 200 is placed horizontally with the subject image displayed on the display 203 in its normal orientation. In other words, the input / output terminals 229 and the power supply port 228 are located on the same plane around the outer edge of the display 203. By arranging them on the same plane in this way, it is possible to prevent power from being supplied from the input / output terminals 229 when, for example, the imaging device 200 is placed on the mounting base 400 and power is being supplied via the power supply port 228.

[0061] 4. Configuration of the assistive device 300 Figure 7A is a perspective view showing the configuration of an auxiliary device 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The auxiliary device 300 is an auxiliary tool used for imaging the oral cavity of a subject. Therefore, it is not always necessary when imaging the oral cavity with the imaging device 200, and may not be used depending on the user's or subject's wishes. At least a portion of the tip of the imaging device 200 is inserted into the auxiliary device 300. Therefore, it is preferable that the auxiliary device 300 is translucent so as not to interfere with the imaging device 200 and to ensure a good field of view.

[0062] In this embodiment, the auxiliary tool 300 is manufactured by integral molding of resin. However, it may be manufactured from other materials such as paper, cloth, or metal, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, while it is preferable that the auxiliary tool 300 be a disposable type, it may also be a reusable type.

[0063] According to Figure 7A, the auxiliary device 300 includes a cylindrical body 312, a pair of gripping plates 311 positioned at the base end 316 of the body 312, and a tongue depressor 315 positioned near the tip 314 of the body 312.

[0064] The main body 312 is configured to cover at least a portion of the tip 222 side of the main body 201 of the imaging device 200, and is therefore formed in a cylindrical shape with a predetermined length corresponding to the length of the main body 201. The base end 316 side has a base end opening 320 for inserting the imaging device 200, and the tip end 314 side has a tip end opening 313 for allowing the light emitted from the light source 212 of the imaging device 200 and the reflected light from the subject to pass through. In this embodiment, the auxiliary device 300 is inserted into the oral cavity from the tip 314.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 201 of the imaging device 200 has substantially constant inner and outer diameters from the base end 225 to the tip end 222. Therefore, the main body 312 of the auxiliary device 300 is also formed to have substantially constant inner and outer diameters along its longitudinal direction, corresponding to this shape. While it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the main body 312 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the main body 201 of the imaging device 200, any shape is acceptable as long as it is insertable, and it may be a perfect circle, ellipse, polygon, or any other shape.

[0066] A pair of gripping plates 311 are arranged along the base end 316 of the main body 312. The gripping plates 311 are used by the user to grasp the auxiliary device 300 when inserting it into the oral cavity of the subject. In this embodiment, when the auxiliary device 300 is inserted into the oral cavity, the gripping plates 311 also function as restricting members to prevent further insertion of the auxiliary device 300 by having the tip surface of the gripping plate 311 come into contact with the subject's lips or the like. In this embodiment, the pair of gripping plates 311 are arranged symmetrically in the vertical direction on the base end 316 side of the main body 312, but they may also be formed in a donut shape along the base end 316 of the main body 312, and their shape may be any shape.

[0067] The tongue depressor 315 is positioned on the lower part of the main body 312 (the side facing the tongue inside the oral cavity) and is formed in a blade shape facing the tongue. When imaging is performed by the imaging device 200, the subject's tongue moves in front of the imaging device 200, which obstructs imaging of the oral cavity. The tongue depressor 315 pushes the tongue downward, restricting its movement inside the oral cavity and preventing the tongue from being positioned in front of the imaging device 200. Therefore, although the tongue depressor 315 is formed in a blade shape in this embodiment, it may be any shape as long as this function can be achieved.

[0068] Figure 7B shows a schematic side view of the auxiliary tool 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the auxiliary tool 300 includes a tongue depressor 315 near the tip 314 side of the main body 312 and a gripping plate 311 on the base end 316 side.

[0069] Furthermore, the base end 316 side of the main body 312 is provided with a mechanism for positioning the imaging device 200 when it is inserted from the base end 316 side. Specifically, the main body 312 has a pair of grooves 319 formed to a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the outer circumference of the main body 312, a piece 317 formed by these grooves, engaging protrusions 318 arranged on each piece 317 and configured to engage with each engaging projection 217 located at the tip of the grip 202 of the imaging device 200, and an insertion hole 321 into which the positioning projection 218 of the grip 202 is inserted.

[0070] The engaging projections 318 are positioned at locations corresponding to each engaging projection 217 located on the grip 202 of the imaging device 200, and are provided projecting toward the inner surface of the main body 312. Therefore, in this embodiment, four engaging projections 318-1 to 318-4 are located at positions corresponding to the four engaging projections 217-1 to 217-4. In addition, the insertion holes 321 are provided at positions corresponding to the positioning projections 218 located on the grip 202 of the imaging device 200. Therefore, in this embodiment, one insertion hole 321 is located at a position corresponding to one positioning projection 218.

[0071] 5. Usage status of imaging device 200 and auxiliary device 300 Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state of use of an imaging device 200 and an auxiliary tool 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, each mechanism arranged at the base end 316 of the main body 312 in Figure 7B will be described with reference to Figure 8. First, when the imaging device 200 is inserted into the base end 316 of the auxiliary tool 300 and reaches the vicinity of the tip 314, the engaging projection 217 formed to protrude outward from the grip 202 of the imaging device 200 and the engaging projection 318 formed toward the inner surface of the main body 312 of the auxiliary tool 300 come into contact. In this embodiment, the engaging projections 318-1 to 318-4 of the main body 312 are formed on pieces 317-1 to 317-4 formed by a pair of grooves 319-1a and 319-1b to 319-4a and 319-4b. Therefore, when the engaging projection 217 of the imaging device 200 and the engaging projection 318 of the auxiliary device 300 are in contact and a force is applied in the direction of further insertion of the imaging device 200, the piece 317 formed by the pair of grooves 319 is lifted. As a result, the engaging projection 217 of the imaging device 200 is inserted further beyond the engaging projection 318 of the auxiliary device 300.

[0072] Next, when the imaging device 200 is inserted beyond the engaging projection 318 of the auxiliary tool 300, the positioning projection 218, which is provided on the grip 202 of the imaging device 200 and protrudes outward, is inserted into the insertion hole 321 of the auxiliary tool 300. The positioning projection 218 of the imaging device 200 then comes into contact with the wall surface of the insertion hole 321 formed on the tip 314 side. This restricts the imaging device 200 from being inserted any further toward the tip 314 of the auxiliary tool 300.

[0073] In other words, in this embodiment, when the imaging device 200 is fully inserted into the auxiliary device 300, the movement of the imaging device 200 in the direction in which it is inserted is restricted by the positioning projection 218 and the insertion hole 321, and the movement of the imaging device 200 in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction in which the imaging device 200 is removed, is restricted by the engaging projection 217 and the engaging projection 318.

[0074] Here, Figure 8 shows the case where the imaging device 200 is placed horizontally on the mounting surface 800 with the subject image displayed on the display 203 in the normal orientation. In this case, according to Figure 8, the main body 201 has a vertical width H1, and the grip 202 has a vertical width H2 which is greater than width H1. Since the upper surfaces of the main body 201 and the grip 202 are configured to be on the same plane, the position of the main body 201 from the mounting surface 800 is raised by the difference between width H1 and width H2. In other words, when the display 203 and the grip 202 are placed in contact with the mounting surface 800, the tip of the main body 201 is configured not to come into contact with the mounting surface 800. This makes it possible to prevent contamination of the tip of the main body 201.

[0075] Furthermore, in Figure 8, the tongue depressor 315 of the auxiliary device 300 is formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the main body 312 by a distance D3. On the other hand, when the lower surface of the tongue depressor's main body 312 is mounted on the main body 201 of the imaging device 200, it is mounted at a distance D4 away from the mounting surface 800. In this case, by forming the tongue depressor 315 such that the distance D3 is shorter than the distance D4, it is possible to prevent the tongue depressor 315 from coming into contact with the mounting surface 800 and becoming contaminated.

[0076] 6. Configuration of Light Source 212 Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 9, a total of four light sources 212-1 to 212-4 are arranged on a substrate 231 located on the tip side of the grip 202. Each light source 212 is, for example, composed of an LED, and light having a predetermined frequency band is emitted from each LED toward the oral cavity. Specifically, the light emitted from the light source 212 enters the base end 225 of the main body 201 and is guided toward the diffuser plate 219 by the wall portion 224 of the main body 201. The light that reaches the diffuser plate 219 is diffused into the oral cavity by the diffuser plate 219. The light diffused by the diffuser plate 219 is then reflected by the pharynx 715, etc., which is the subject. When this reflected light reaches the camera 211, a subject image is generated.

[0077] Furthermore, the light sources 212-1 to 212-4 may be configured to be controlled independently. For example, by illuminating some of the light sources 212-1 to 212-4, the shadow of a three-dimensional object (such as an influenza follicle) can be included in the object image. This allows the object image to contain information about the object's three-dimensional shape, making object identification clearer and enabling the determination algorithm to more accurately determine the likelihood of influenza infection.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light sources 212-1 to 212-4 are arranged on the base end 225 side of the main body 201, but they may also be arranged on the tip 222 of the main body 201 or on the main body 201 (either inside the main body 201 or on the outer circumference of the main body 201).

[0079] In this embodiment, the diffuser plate 219 is used to prevent the light emitted from the light source 212 from illuminating only a part of the oral cavity and to generate uniform light. Therefore, as an example, a lens-shaped diffuser plate with an arbitrary diffusion angle is used, by forming a fine lens array on the surface of the diffuser plate 219. Alternatively, a diffuser plate capable of diffusing light by other methods may be used, such as a diffuser plate that achieves a light diffusion function by randomly arranged fine irregularities on its surface. Furthermore, the diffuser plate 219 may be configured integrally with the main body 201. For example, this can be achieved by forming fine irregularities on the tip portion of the main body 201.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diffuser plate 219 is positioned on the tip 222 side of the main body 201. However, it is not limited to this, and may be positioned anywhere between the light source 212 and the oral cavity that is to be irradiated, for example, on the tip 222 of the main body 201 or on the main body 201 (either inside the main body 201 or on the outer circumference of the main body 201).

[0081] 7. Configuration of Display 203 Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a display 203 of an imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The display 203 is positioned on the proximal end side of the grip 202 (opposite to the direction H to which it is inserted into the oral cavity). The display 203 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a rectangular display panel 215 formed on the user side (opposite to the side to which the grip 202 is connected). The display panel 215 displays an image of the subject captured by the camera 211. As described above, since the main body 201, grip 202, and display 203 are arranged in the same straight line, it is possible to easily capture an image with the imaging device 200 while confirming the image of the subject displayed on the display 203.

[0082] Furthermore, a frame 226 is positioned around the display panel 215 of the display 203, and a base 227 is formed along the perimeter of the frame 226. This base 227 is formed to protrude from the surface of the display panel 215 by a height D5 in the direction toward the user, that is, in the direction opposite to the direction H toward insertion into the oral cavity. Such bases 227 are provided at positions opposite to at least three sides (all four sides in the example of Figure 10) of the rectangular display panel 215 (bases 227-1 to 227-4).

[0083] In Figure 10, the base 227 is configured as a continuous base along the outer circumference of the display panel 215. However, as described above, the base 227 only needs to be provided at positions corresponding to at least three of the sides of the display panel 215. Therefore, the base 227 does not necessarily need to be formed as a continuous base; it may be provided only on a portion of each side.

[0084] Figure 11 shows the mounting state of the imaging device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 11 shows the imaging device 200 mounted on the mounting surface 800 with the main body 201 facing upwards and the display 203 facing downwards. As explained in Figure 10, a frame 226 is formed around the periphery of the display panel 215, and a base 227 is further formed around the frame. The base 227 is formed to be higher than the surface of the display panel 215 by a height D5. Therefore, when mounted on the mounting surface 800, the surface of the base 227 contacts the mounting surface 800, preventing the display panel 215 from directly contacting the mounting surface 800. In other words, the base 227 can prevent damage to the display panel 215.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the base 227 is formed with a substantially uniform height along the four sides that form the user-facing side of the rectangular parallelepiped display 203. Therefore, when the display 203 is placed on the mounting surface 800 with this side facing downwards, the imaging device 200 can be stably mounted on the mounting surface 800 without the need to use any other components such as a mounting stand.

[0086] 8. Configuration of the mounting platform 400 Figure 12A is a top view showing the configuration of a mounting base 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12B is a perspective view showing the configuration of a mounting base 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting base 400 is used to stably mount the imaging device 200 and, if necessary, to connect to a power supply via a wired cable and supply power to the imaging device 200 from the power supply terminal of the mounting base 400 through the power supply port of the imaging device 200.

[0087] According to Figures 12A and 12B, the mounting base 400 has a support base 411 that supports the imaging device 200 from below and constitutes the main body of the mounting base. The support base 411 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, but it is not limited to this shape and may have other shapes. The support base 411 has a housing hole 412 on its upper surface in order to mount the imaging device 200 so that the main body 201 of the imaging device 200 is at the top and the display 203 is at the bottom. The shape of the side walls of the housing hole 412 is formed to follow the outer shape of the display 203 of the imaging device 200 (dashed line in Figure 12A) and to have a predetermined depth. Therefore, when the imaging device 200 is placed on the mounting base 400, the imaging device 200 is positioned by the side walls of the housing hole 412. Furthermore, the housing hole 412 has one or more protrusions 413 having a predetermined height (however lower than the height of the side wall) and one or more linear protrusions 416 having a predetermined height (however lower than the height of the side wall) on its bottom surface. The protrusions 413 and linear protrusions 416 are provided at positions corresponding to the base 227 provided on the user side of the display 203 and support the base 227 from below. Therefore, a space is formed between the display panel 215 of the display 203 and the bottom surface of the housing hole 412 equal to the height of the base 227 and the heights of the protrusions 413 and linear protrusions 416. This prevents the display panel 215 from being damaged by the bottom surface of the housing hole 412.

[0088] The mounting base 400 has a support stand 414 for supporting the area around the grip 202 of the imaging device 200 from the side when the imaging device 200 is placed in the housing hole 412 with the main body 201 of the imaging device 200 facing upwards and the display 203 facing downwards. The support stand 414 is positioned above the support base 411 and is formed to have a predetermined length in the height direction. Furthermore, the surface facing the grip 202 is formed to conform to the outer shape of the grip 202. Note that the support stand 414 itself does not need to constantly contact and support the area around the grip 202 of the imaging device 200; it may only contact it when, for example, the imaging device 200 is tilted.

[0089] The mounting base 400 has a power supply unit 417 formed at a position facing the lower surface of the display 203 of the imaging device 200 (i.e., the surface on which the power supply port 228 is located) when the imaging device 200 is placed in the housing hole 412. The power supply unit 417 has a power supply terminal 415 formed on the side facing the lower surface of the display 203 and facing the power supply port 228 of the imaging device 200. Therefore, when the imaging device 200 is placed in the housing hole 412, the power supply port 228 is connected to the power supply terminal 415 of the mounting base 400, and power is supplied from the power supply terminal 415 to the power supply port 228.

[0090] As explained in Figure 6D, the input / output terminal 229 is located on the underside of the display 203 of the imaging device 200, that is, on the same side as the power supply port 228. When the imaging device 200 is placed in the housing hole 412, the power supply port 228 is connected to the power supply terminal 415 located at the opposite position, but the input / output terminal 229 is covered by the side of the power supply unit 417 that faces the underside of the display 203. Therefore, when power is being supplied via the power supply port 228, a wired connection of the input / output terminal 229 becomes impossible, thus preventing power from competing with the power supplied via the input / output terminal 229.

[0091] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to provide an imaging device 200 and imaging system 1 that are more suitable for imaging inside the oral cavity. In particular, the main body 201, grip 202, display 203, and camera 211 are arranged in the same line as the main body 201 in the direction in which they are inserted into the oral cavity. Therefore, good operability can be provided to the operator.

[0092] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, the case in which the processing unit 100 and the imaging device 200 are connected to each other via wireless or wired cable for communication was described. However, the invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to transmit the subject image captured by the imaging device 200 to a remotely installed server device (for example, a cloud server device) via wireless communication, and have the server device function as a processing unit. Specifically, it is possible to determine the likelihood of disease on the server device, or to transmit the image to a remotely installed physician's terminal device and have that device function as a processing unit, allowing for a determination in conjunction with the physician's findings.

[0093] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a case in which the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200 are connected to each other via wireless or wired cable for communication, and the processing device 100 processes the subject image. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the imaging device 200 itself may be equipped with various processing functions for the subject image. For example, the imaging device 200 itself may be equipped with the judgment function of the processing device 100 to determine whether the image is disease-like. In this case, the processed image may be output to the processing device 100 or other devices connected via wired or wireless cable.

[0094] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a case where the imaging device 200 and the auxiliary device 300 are configured as separate components. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and the two may be integrated. For example, the imaging device 200 may be configured such that a tongue depressor for restricting tongue movement within the oral cavity is placed on the lingual surface of the main body 201, so as to be located on the lingual side of the oral cavity. In this way, imaging can be performed without using the auxiliary device 300. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1: Imaging System 100: Processing unit 111: Processor 112: Memory 113: Input Interface 114: Display 115: Communication Interface 200: Imaging device 201: Main unit 202: Grip 203: Display 211: Camera 212 :Light source 212-1 :Light source 213: Processor 214: Memory 215: Display Panel 216: Communication Interface 217: Engagement protrusion 217-1: Engagement protrusion 218: Positioning projection 219: Diffuser 220: Image capture button 221: Power button 222: Tip 223: Containment Space 224: Wall 225: proximal end 226: Picture frame 227: Pedestal 227-1: Pedestal 228: Power supply port 229: Input / output terminal 230:Connection part 231: Circuit board 232: Containment space 300: Assistive device 311: Gripping plate 312: Main unit 313: Tip-side opening 314: Tip 315: Tongue depressor 316 :Proximal end 317: piece 317-1 :piece 318: Engagement protrusion 318-1: Engagement protrusion 319: Groove 319-1a: Groove 320: Proximal opening 321: Insertion hole 400: Mounting platform 411: Support stand 412: Enclosure hole 413 : Protrusion 414: Support stand 415: Power supply terminal 416 : Linear process 417: Power supply unit 600: User 700: Target Person 711: Incisor 712 :Oral cavity 713 :Soft palate 714: Tongue 715: Pharynx 800: Mounting surface

Claims

[Claim 1] A body comprising a base end and a tip, the space between the base end and the tip being formed into a substantially columnar shape of a predetermined length, and configured such that at least the tip can be inserted into the oral cavity, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the direction of insertion into the oral cavity; One or more light sources are configured to be positioned on the proximal end side of the main body or inside the main body in order to irradiate light of a predetermined frequency band toward the oral cavity, A grip is provided on the base end side of the main body for the user to grasp, which is formed in a substantially columnar shape with a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body and is configured to be positioned in the same straight line as the main body, A camera is provided, configured to capture an image of a subject based on the reflected light irradiated from the light source and reflected from the oral cavity, either on the proximal end side of the main body or inside the main body, and to be positioned in the same straight line as the main body. To display the subject image captured by the camera, a display is provided on the opposite side of the grip from the oral cavity and arranged in a straight line with the main body, An imaging device including an imaging device.

Images