Denture identification system

Abstract

This invention provides a denture identification system that can reliably and efficiently identify multiple dentures used in the oral cavity without compromising hygiene, and that can appropriately manage owner information. [Solution] A denture identification system 1 according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a denture 2 having a plurality of dentures 21 and a gum 22 that supports the plurality of dentures and in which a wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 is embedded, and a wireless reader 4 that reads the wireless identification semiconductor chip, wherein a plurality of dentures are provided, and the identification number of the wireless identification semiconductor chip of each denture is different, and the wireless reader 4 comprises an antenna unit 41, a wireless communication unit 42, a display unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45, and the storage unit records a plurality of identification number data containing information about the plurality of identification numbers, and owner information data containing information about the owner corresponding to each identification number.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a denture identification system.

Background Art

[0002] Dentures are widely used mainly by the elderly and those requiring care, and are important oral devices that are routinely handled in medical institutions, care facilities, welfare facilities, etc. In particular, in places where multiple dentures are collectively managed, cleaned, and stored, there is a strong demand to accurately identify the owner of each denture.

[0003] In the management of such dentures, from the viewpoints of preventing mistakes and losses, it is important to be able to identify the owner for each denture. Conventionally, a method of managing by writing the name of the owner or the like on the surface of the denture has been generally used.

[0004] For example, there are methods such as directly writing the name on the gum or the surface of the denture base of the denture using an oil-based marker or the like, or attaching a sticker with the name written on it.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the method of directly writing the name with an oil-based marker or the like on the surface of the denture, or the method of attaching a sticker with the name written on it, has a problem that it is not hygienically preferable due to the nature of wearing the denture in the oral cavity.

[0006] That is, dirt and bacteria are likely to adhere around the characters written with the marker or the attached sticker, which may make the oral cavity environment unhygienic. In addition, there is also a problem that the discriminability decreases due to the characters disappearing or the sticker peeling off during repeated cleaning and use.

[0007] Furthermore, in the management method of exposing the name or the like on the surface of the denture, it is likely to cause a sense of incongruity in appearance and may also cause a psychological resistance in the user.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a denture identification system that can reliably and efficiently identify multiple dentures used in the oral cavity without compromising hygiene, and that can appropriately manage owner information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A denture identification system according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems comprises a denture having a plurality of dentures and gums that support the plurality of dentures and in which wireless identification semiconductor chips are embedded, and a wireless reader that reads the wireless identification semiconductor chips, wherein a plurality of dentures are provided, and the identification number of the wireless identification semiconductor chip of each denture is different, and the wireless reader comprises an antenna unit, a wireless communication unit, a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, and the storage unit records a plurality of identification number data containing information about the plurality of identification numbers, and owner information data containing information about the owner corresponding to each identification number.

[0010] In this view, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the wireless identification semiconductor chip is embedded in a recess formed in the gum tissue of the denture using a resin of a different color from the gum tissue.

[0011] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the wireless reader device be equipped with a communication interface for exchanging information with an external information processing device.

[0012] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable to have a scale for positioning the recess of the denture.

[0013] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, the scale preferably comprises a plate-shaped resin having recess positioning holes formed therein. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In summary, this invention provides a denture identification system that can reliably and efficiently identify multiple dentures and appropriately manage owner information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic overview of the overall configuration of the denture identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic cross-section of the portion of the denture in which a wireless identification semiconductor chip is embedded in the gum tissue according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the scale configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a wireless reader according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the functional block of the wireless reader according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific examples described in the embodiments below.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the denture identification system (hereinafter referred to as "the System") 1 according to this embodiment. The System 1 comprises a denture 2 that supports a plurality of dentures 21 and has a gum 22 in which a wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 is embedded, and a wireless reader 4 that reads the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3.

[0018] With the above configuration, System 1 can manage multiple dentures 2 by associating their identification numbers with owner information, enabling quick and reliable identification of dentures 2. The detailed effects will be explained below.

[0019] As described above, the denture base 2 in this system 1 has a gum portion 22 that supports a plurality of artificial teeth 21 and in which a semiconductor chip 3 for wireless identification is embedded. The denture base 2 in this system 1 is preferably a complete denture so that the identification semiconductor chip 3 can be stably embedded, but it is not limited as long as it has the above functions, and it may be a partial denture (so-called partial denture base).

[0020] As described above, the artificial teeth 21 in this system 1 are for performing a chewing function and are fixed to the gum portion 22 in plurality. The shape of each artificial tooth 21 is not limited as long as it has the above functions, but preferably has a convex shape approximated to the shape of natural teeth. Further, its dimensions are preferably set appropriately according to the shape of the user's oral cavity. Furthermore, examples of its material include, but are not limited to, resin, ceramic, metal materials, etc.

[0021] As described above, the gum portion 22 in this system 1 functions as a base portion for supporting a plurality of artificial teeth 21, and further, is for embedding the semiconductor chip 3 for wireless identification.

[0022] The material of the gum portion 22 in this system 1 is not limited as long as it has the above functions, but dental resin materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, nylon resin, etc. are preferable, but not limited thereto.

[0023] Also, the gum portion 22 of the denture base 2 in this system 1 is not limited as long as it has the above functions, but preferably has a curved shape that can be worn in the oral cavity, and more specifically, is preferably formed to conform to the dental cast. Further, its dimensions are set appropriately according to the shape of the user's oral cavity, but preferably has a thickness and strength capable of holding the artificial teeth 21.

[0024] Furthermore, as described above, this system 1 has a wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 embedded in the gum tissue 22. The wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 holds information regarding an identification number, and this identification number is read via wireless communication. Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the denture 2 of this system 1 in which the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 is embedded in the gum tissue 22.

[0025] The wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 in this system 1 is not limited to having the above-described functions, but it is preferable that it be contactless so that the identification number can be read even when it is embedded. Examples of semiconductor chips include RFID tags, NFC tags, IC chips, etc., but it is preferable that it be a small microchip for embedding in the gum tissue 22 of the denture 2.

[0026] The wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 in this system 1 is not limited as long as it has the above-described function, but it is preferably small and thin, in the shape of a plate, rod, or disc. Furthermore, its dimensions are preferably such that it can be implanted in the gingiva 22, and while a resin-encapsulated semiconductor package is preferred as the material, it is not limited thereto.

[0027] Furthermore, this system 1 assumes that there are multiple dentures 2 to be managed. Each of the multiple dentures 2 has an owner, and the identification number of the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 embedded in each of these dentures 2 is different. In other words, by recognizing the identification number of this embedded wireless identification semiconductor chip 3, it is possible to identify the owner.

[0028] In this system 1, the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 is embedded in a recess formed in the gingiva 22. The recess can be formed in a predetermined position in the gingiva 22 using a cutting tool such as a dental drill. After placing the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 in the recess, the recess can be fixed in the gingiva 22 by filling and sealing it with a resin material. This configuration makes it possible to stably hold the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 while protecting it from the external environment.

[0029] The resin material used to fill the recess may be the same type as the resin that makes up the gingiva 22, but it is preferable to use a resin with a different color. This allows the location where the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 is embedded to be easily visible from the outside, making it possible to quickly identify the location, for example, during maintenance or reprocessing. In this case, the resin may also be a transparent resin. Transparency is preferable because it allows the embedded wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 to be clearly visible. It is preferable to use a biocompatible material such as dental resin as the resin material.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferable that the system 1 also includes a scale 5. The scale 5 is for positioning the recess to be formed in the gingiva 22. By using the scale 5, the implantation position of the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 can be set to a predetermined position with high precision, and variations in position for each denture can be suppressed. The scale 5 in the system 1 is not limited as long as it has the above functions, but can be configured as a transparent or translucent plate-like member, thereby allowing positioning while visually observing the shape of the gingiva 22. It is also preferable that the scale 5 has recess positioning holes 51 formed therein. By providing these recess positioning holes 51, it becomes possible to mark the position for forming the recess for implanting the wireless semiconductor chip with a marker or the like.

[0031] In this system 1, the scale 5 is preferably made of a plate-shaped resin with recess positioning holes 51 formed therein. The recess positioning holes 51 function as guides for tools such as dental drills, making it easy to form recesses at predetermined positions. An image diagram of the scale 5 in this case is shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a material with excellent transparency and processability, such as acrylic resin, as the material of the scale 5, but it is not limited to this.

[0032] Furthermore, this system 1 includes a wireless reader 4. As described above, the wireless reader 4 is used to read the identification number from the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3. Figure 4 shows a schematic example of the external appearance of the wireless reader 4 of this system 1, and Figure 5 shows the functional blocks of the wireless reader 4 of this system 1.

[0033] The wireless reader 4 in this system 1 is not limited to having the above-described functions, but may be a stationary device installed on a table or the like, or a handheld portable reader, although a portable reader is preferable from the standpoint of convenience.

[0034] Furthermore, as described above, the wireless reader 4 in this system 1 is not limited to being able to read information from the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3, but it is preferable that it includes an antenna unit 41, a wireless communication unit 42, a display unit 43, a storage unit 44, a control unit 45, and a housing 47 that accommodates these.

[0035] The antenna unit 41 of the wireless reader 4 of this system 1 is for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves with the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3, and has the function of acquiring information regarding the identification number from the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 in a contactless manner. Specifically, the antenna unit 41 is preferably composed of, for example, a loop antenna with a conductive pattern formed in a coil shape, or a pattern antenna formed on a printed circuit board. Furthermore, its resonant frequency is preferably adjusted to a frequency band corresponding to the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 such as RFID, NFC, or IC chip. In addition, by arranging the antenna unit 41 near the surface of the housing 47 of the wireless reader 4, it is possible to improve the communication efficiency with the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 embedded in the denture 2.

[0036] The wireless communication unit 42 of the wireless reader 4 of this system 1 is for transmitting and receiving signals with the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 via the antenna unit 41, and has the function of reading an identification number from the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 42 is preferably configured to include a high-frequency circuit, a modulation / demodulation circuit, and a communication protocol processing circuit, and is configured using, for example, an RFID reader / writer IC or an NFC communication module. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 42 is preferably equipped with a communication interface (for example, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, wired communication interface, etc.) that can communicate with an external information processing device as needed.

[0037] The display unit 43 of the wireless reader 4 of this system 1 is for visually displaying information corresponding to the identification number read from the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3, and has the function of presenting owner information, etc., corresponding to the identification number to the user. Specifically, the display unit 43 is preferably composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or a similar display device. The display unit 43 can also be configured to display the identification number, the owner's name, the management number, the affiliated facility information, etc. Furthermore, the display unit 43 may also be configured to double as an operation unit that accepts user input by having a touch panel function.

[0038] The storage unit 44 of the wireless reader 4 of this system 1 is for storing various data such as identification numbers and owner information corresponding to said identification numbers, and has the function of storing the read identification numbers in association with pre-registered information. Specifically, the storage unit 44 may be made up of a hard disk or the like, but it is preferable to be made up of semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, etc.). In addition, the storage unit 44 records multiple identification number data and owner information data corresponding to said identification numbers (e.g., data including information such as name, management number, affiliated facility information, etc.). Furthermore, the storage unit 44 may be configured to be able to cooperate with external storage media or cloud servers as needed. This makes it possible to add, modify, or delete owner information data as appropriate.

[0039] The control unit 45 of the wireless reader 4 in System 1 controls the operation of the entire wireless reader 4 and has the function of comprehensively controlling each component: the antenna unit 41, the wireless communication unit 42, the display unit 43, and the storage unit 44. Specifically, the control unit 45 is preferably composed of a microcomputer, a microprocessor, or a control circuit including these. The control unit 45 also compares the identification number acquired by the wireless communication unit 42 with the data recorded in the storage unit 44 and controls the display unit 43 to display the corresponding owner information based on the result. Furthermore, the control unit 45 may be configured to perform processing in response to user operations (e.g., button input or touch operation) and to control data communication with external devices.

[0040] The wireless reader 4 of this system 1 preferably includes a communication interface 46. The communication interface 46 is for exchanging information with an external information processing device. The communication interface 46 in this system 1 is not limited to having the above-mentioned functions, but may be either a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. By enabling the exchange of information with an external information processing device, it becomes possible to simplify the processing of the storage unit 44 of the wireless reader 4, etc., and to create a more responsive system.

[0041] The housing 47 of the wireless reader 4 of System 1 houses and protects the various components such as the antenna unit 41, wireless communication unit 42, display unit 43, storage unit 44, and control unit 45, and has the function of forming the overall external shape of the device. Specifically, the housing 47 is preferably made of a resin material (e.g., ABS resin, polycarbonate resin, etc.) or a metal material, and it is desirable that it be lightweight and durable. Furthermore, if the housing 47 is to be a handheld portable type, it is preferable that it has a shape that is easy to grip (e.g., a curved shape or anti-slip processing). In addition, a display window that exposes the display unit 43 and an operation section (buttons, switches, etc.) may be provided in part of the housing 47.

[0042] In the wireless reader 4 of this system 1, the antenna unit 41, wireless communication unit 42, storage unit 44, control unit 45, and display unit 43 work in coordination with each other to quickly and accurately read the identification number of the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3 embedded in the denture 2, and to immediately confirm the owner information corresponding to that identification number.

[0043] Specifically, the antenna unit 41 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves with the wireless identification semiconductor chip 3, and the wireless communication unit 42 processes the signal to obtain an identification number. The control unit 45 compares the obtained identification number with the identification number data recorded in the storage unit 44 and extracts the corresponding owner information. Then, by displaying the owner information on the display unit 43, the user can easily identify the owner of the dentures 2.

[0044] This configuration eliminates the need to directly write names on the denture surface, as was done in conventional systems, allowing for denture identification without compromising hygiene. Furthermore, since the identification information is stored on a wireless identification semiconductor chip, the risk of information loss due to cleaning or long-term use is reduced, enabling highly reliable management. In addition, even when managing multiple dentures at once, identification can be performed quickly, contributing to improved work efficiency in medical institutions and nursing care facilities. [Industrial applicability]

[0045] This invention has potential for industrial use as a denture identification system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1. Denture identification system 2. Dentures 21. Dentures 22. Gums 3. Wireless identification semiconductor chip 4. Wireless reading device 41... Antenna section 42.. Wireless Communication Department 43...Display section 44...Storage section 45... Control Unit 46. ​​Communication Interface 47... cabinet 5...scale 51...Hole for positioning recess

Claims

1. A denture comprising multiple prostheses, and gum tissue that supports the multiple prostheses and in which a wireless identification semiconductor chip is embedded, A denture identification system comprising a wireless reader for reading the aforementioned wireless identification semiconductor chip, Multiple dentures are provided, and the identification number of the wireless identification semiconductor chip for each denture is different. The wireless reading device comprises an antenna unit, a wireless communication unit, a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The denture identification system includes a storage unit that records multiple identification number data containing information about multiple identification numbers, and owner information data containing information about the owner corresponding to each of the identification numbers.

2. The denture identification system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless identification semiconductor chip is embedded in a recess formed in the gum of the denture using a resin of a different color from the gum resin.

3. The denture identification system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless reader device is equipped with a communication interface for exchanging information with an external information processing device.

4. The denture identification system according to claim 2, further comprising a scale for positioning the denture to form the recess.

5. The denture identification system according to claim 4, wherein the scale comprises a plate-shaped resin having recess positioning holes formed therein.

Images