Imaging Device and Imaging System

Abstract

Provided are an image capturing device and an image capturing system which are suitable for conducting a medical examination using a subject image obtained by image capturing the inside of the oral cavity.　Provided is an image capturing device comprising: a main body which has a base end and a distal end, and is formed into a column shape of a prescribed length between the base end and the distal end in order to enable at least the distal end to be inserted into the oral cavity; one or a plurality of light sources which are disposed on a base end side or a distal end side of the main body, or are disposed on the main body, and are configured so as to irradiate light in a prescribed frequency band; a diffusion plate which is disposed on the base end side or the distal end side of the main body, or is disposed on the main body, and is configured so as to diffuse light irradiated from the light source toward the oral cavity; and a camera which is disposed on the base end side or the distal end side of the main body, or is disposed on the main body, and image captures a subject image on the basis of reflected light diffused from the diffusion board and reflected into the oral cavity.

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 doctors to observe changes in the oral condition of a subject and make a diagnosis such as a viral cold. Non-Patent Document 1 reports that there is a pattern specific to influenza in the lymph follicles that appear in the deepest part of the pharynx located in the oral cavity. The lymph follicles having this specific pattern are called influenza follicles, which are characteristic signs of influenza and are supposed to appear about 2 hours after the onset. However, an appropriate determination of influenza follicles requires intensive training through many cases and is not at all easy for general physicians.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, based on the above technologies, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging device and an imaging system suitable for performing a diagnosis using a subject image obtained by imaging the oral cavity according to various embodiments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device including: a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, and formed in a columnar shape with a predetermined length between the proximal end and the distal end so that at least the distal end can be inserted into the oral cavity; one or a plurality of light sources disposed on the proximal end side or the distal end side of the main body, or on the main body, and configured to irradiate light in a predetermined frequency band; a diffusion plate disposed on the proximal end side or the distal end side of the main body, or on the main body, and configured to diffuse the light irradiated from the light source toward the oral cavity; and a camera disposed on the proximal end side or the distal end side of the main body, or on the main body, and configured to capture a subject image based on the reflected light diffused from the diffusion plate and reflected by the oral cavity.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging system including: the above-described imaging device; and a processing device communicably connected to the imaging device by wire or wirelessly, and configured to process a subject image captured by the imaging device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an imaging device and an imaging system suitable for performing a diagnosis using a subject image obtained by imaging the oral cavity.

[0008] It should be noted that the above effects are merely exemplary for convenience of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to or instead of the above effects, any effects described in the present disclosure or effects obvious to those skilled in the art can also be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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.

[0011] <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 and 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, the imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure can be suitably used for other sites within the oral cavity as well.

[0012] The imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure is used, as an example, to image the pharynx of the oral cavity to determine the possibility of a subject contracting influenza. Therefore, in the following, the case where the imaging system 1 is used for determining the possibility of contracting influenza will be described. However, the determination of the possibility of contracting influenza is an example, and of course, it can be suitably used for any determination of a disease that causes differences in findings within the oral cavity due to contracting the disease. Examples of such diseases include streptococcal infection, adenovirus infection, Epstein - Barr virus infection, mycoplasma infection, hypertension, and the like.

[0013] In the present disclosure, terms such as "determination" and "diagnosis" for diseases are used, but these do not necessarily mean a definitive determination or diagnosis by a doctor. For example, it is naturally possible that the imaging system 1 of the present disclosure is used by the imaging subject himself / herself or by a user other than a doctor, and is determined or diagnosed by the processing device 100 included in the imaging system 1.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the usage state of the imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 1, the imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure includes a processing device 100 and an imaging device 200. The user inserts the auxiliary tool 300 into the oral cavity of the subject, and inserts the imaging device 200 therein so as to be covered by the inserted auxiliary tool 300. Therefore, the imaging device 200 is used to image the inside of the oral cavity. Specifically, first, the imaging device 200 of the imaging system 1 is inserted into the oral cavity by the user (which may be the subject 700 himself or may be a person different from the subject 700) with the auxiliary tool 300. At this time, the tip of the auxiliary tool 300 passes through the incisors 711 and is inserted near the soft palate 713. Then, with the auxiliary tool 300 inserted into the oral cavity, the imaging device 200 is inserted into the auxiliary tool 300 from the tip. Therefore, the imaging device 200 passes through the incisors 711 and is inserted near the soft palate 713. At this time, the tongue 714 is pushed downward by the auxiliary tool 300 (which functions as a tongue depressor) to restrict the movement of the tongue 714, and the soft palate 713 is pushed upward by the tip of the auxiliary tool 300. As a result, a good viewing field of the imaging device 200 is ensured, and the pharynx 715 located in front of the imaging device 200 is imaged.

[0015] The captured subject image (image of the pharynx 715) is transmitted from the imaging device 200 to the processing device 100 that is communicably connected by wire. By the processor of the processing device 100 that has received the subject image processing the program stored in the memory of the processing device 100, the possibility of contracting influenza is determined based on the subject image. Then, the result is output to a display or the like.

[0016] 2. Configuration of the imaging system 1 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 2, the imaging system 1 includes a processing device 100 and an imaging device 200 that is wired communicably connected to the processing device 100. The processing device 100 receives an operation input by a user and controls imaging by the imaging device 200. Further, the processing device 100 processes a subject image captured by the imaging device 200 and determines the possibility of the subject person contracting influenza. Furthermore, the processing device 100 outputs the determined result and notifies the user, the subject person, etc. of the result.

[0017] The imaging device 200 has at least its tip inserted into the oral cavity of the subject person and images the oral cavity, particularly the pharynx. Specific imaging processing thereof will be described later. The captured subject image is transmitted to the processing device 100 via a wired cable.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 3, the imaging system 1 includes a processing device 100 including a processor 111, a memory 112, an input interface 113, and a display 114, and an imaging device 200 including a camera 211 and a light source 212. These components are electrically connected to each other via a control line and a data line. Note that the imaging system 1 does not necessarily include all of the components shown in FIG. 3, and it is possible to configure it by omitting some of them or adding other components. For example, the imaging system 1 can include a battery for driving each component, a communication interface for transmitting the results processed by the imaging system 1 to the outside or receiving an instruction command from the outside, and the like.

[0019] Processor 111 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the imaging system 1 based on a program stored in memory 112. Based on the program stored in memory 112, processor 111 controls the driving of camera 211 and light source 212, stores the subject image received from imaging device 200 in memory 112, and processes the stored subject image. Specifically, processor 111 receives an instruction input to input interface 113 by the user, performs a process of turning on light source 212 and instructing imaging by camera 211, a process of extracting a still image used for determination from the captured image, a process of determining a predetermined disease likelihood by performing a predetermined process on the extracted image, a process of outputting the determination result to display 114, etc., based on the program stored in memory 112. Processor 111 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but a GPU or the like may be combined as appropriate.

[0020] Memory 112 is composed of a RAM, a ROM, a non-volatile memory, an HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. Memory 112 stores, as a program, instruction commands for various controls of imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, memory 112 receives an instruction input to input interface 113 by the user, and stores a program for processor 111 to perform a process of turning on light source 212 and instructing imaging by camera 211, a process of extracting a still image used for determination from the captured image, a process of determining a predetermined disease likelihood by performing a predetermined process on the extracted image, a process of outputting the determination result to display 114, etc. In addition to the program, memory 112 stores the subject image captured by camera 211 of imaging device 200, the determination result of the disease likelihood by processor 111, various information of the subject including subject 700, etc.

[0021] The input interface 113 functions as an input unit that receives user instructions for the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200. As an example of the input interface 113, as shown in FIG. 2, there are a "recording button" for instructing the start and end of recording by the imaging device 200, a "confirmation button" for making various selections, a "return / cancel button" for returning to the previous screen or canceling the confirmed operation entered, a cross key button for moving icons etc. displayed on the display 114, an on / off key for turning the power of the processing device 100 on and off, and the like. Although not particularly shown, the input interface 113 may use a touch panel that is provided superimposed on the display 114 and has an input coordinate system corresponding to the display coordinate system of the display 114. The detection method of the user's instruction input by the touch panel may be any method such as a capacitive type or a resistive film type.

[0022] The display 114 functions as a display unit for displaying the subject image captured by the imaging device 200 or outputting the result determined by the processor 111. It is constituted by a liquid crystal panel, but is not limited to a liquid crystal panel and may be constituted by an organic EL display, a plasma display, or the like.

[0023] The camera 211 is driven by an instruction from the processing device 100 and functions as an imaging unit that detects the reflected light reflected by the oral cavity, which is the subject, and generates a subject image. As an example, the camera 211 includes a CMOS image sensor, a lens system, and a drive system for realizing a desired function in order to detect the light. The image sensor is not limited to a CMOS image sensor, and other sensors such as a CCD image sensor can also be used. Although not particularly shown, the camera 211 can have an autofocus function, and for example, it is preferable that the focus is set so that the front of the lens matches a specific part. Also, the camera 211 can have a zoom function, and it is preferable that it is set to capture images at an appropriate magnification according to the size of the pharynx or influenza follicles.

[0024] In this embodiment, since the camera 211 is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject and used for imaging the pharynx at the back of the oral cavity, the distance between the camera 211 and the subject is relatively close. Therefore, the camera 211 has an angle of view (2θ) such that the value calculated by [(the 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 having such an angle of view, even if the camera 211 and the subject are close to each other, imaging over a wider range becomes possible. Therefore, the camera 211 can use a normal camera, but can also use a camera called a so-called wide-angle camera or an ultra-wide-angle camera.

[0025] Also, in this embodiment, the influenza follicles imaged by the camera 211 are formed in the pharynx in the oral cavity. Generally, since the pharynx is formed deeper in the depth direction, if the depth of field is shallow, the focus will shift between the anterior pharynx and the posterior pharynx, making it difficult to obtain a subject image suitable for use in the determination by the processing device 100. Therefore, the camera 211 has a depth of field of at least 20 mm or more, preferably 30 mm or more. By using a camera having such a depth of field, it becomes possible to obtain a subject image with focus at any site from the anterior pharynx to the posterior pharynx.

[0026] The light source 212 is driven according to an instruction from the processing device 100 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 in the oral cavity direction. The light source 212 uses light having a desired band from among the ultraviolet band, the visible light band, the infrared light band, or a combination thereof. In particular, when the short-wavelength band light in the ultraviolet band is irradiated onto the influenza follicles, specific components of the influenza follicles react, making it possible to more reliably determine the presence of a disease.

[0027] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200 are communicably connected by a wired cable has been described. However, naturally, this is not limited thereto, and the two may be connected by wireless communication.

[0028] 3. Processing flow executed in the processing device 100 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow that the processor 111 of the processing device 100 executes at a predetermined cycle based on a program stored in the memory 112.

[0029] Here, in this embodiment, at least one image that satisfies a predetermined condition is extracted from the subject images (moving images) captured by the imaging device 200. For example, the moving image captured by the imaging device 200 includes still images at a predetermined frame rate. The still images include those with good imaging conditions and those with bad imaging conditions. Here, several frames (still images) with good imaging conditions are selected from the captured moving image. For example, based on a large number of similar image data in advance, it is found that the diagnostic determination system for a specific disease (for example, influenza) is high when all or part of a specific shooting angle, the irradiation condition of a specific light source, the width of a specific field of view, the extraction position of a specific part (for example, the pharynx, etc.), and the degree of focus on a specific part are satisfied, and this is used as the criterion for judging good or bad imaging conditions. Then, the presence or absence of a disease is determined by processing several still images extracted based on this judgment criterion. Note that machine learning such as a deep learning function may be used for the extraction process. In addition, in this embodiment, the case of extracting still images from a moving image has been described, but a plurality of still images may be captured and an appropriate number of still images may be extracted therefrom, or only the number of still images used for determination may be captured and the extraction process may be omitted.

[0030] According to FIG. 4, the processor 111 determines whether the recording button of the input interface 113 has been pressed (S111). If it is determined that the recording button has not been pressed, the processor 111 ends the processing flow without performing the subsequent processing. On the other hand, when the processor 111 determines that the recording button has been pressed, it drives the light source 212 of the imaging device 200 and controls the imaging device 200 to start imaging a moving image by the camera 211 of the imaging device 200 (S112). During this time, the user wears the auxiliary tool 300 in the oral cavity 712 of the subject and inserts the imaging device 200 into the worn auxiliary tool 300. Then, the processor 111 controls the imaging device 200 to image a subject moving image of the pharynx.

[0031] Next, the processor 111 extracts an appropriate still image for determination from among a plurality of still images included in the acquired moving image (S113). At this time, the extracted still image may be displayed on the display 114. Then, based on the extracted still image and the determination algorithm, the processor 111 determines a specific disease-like state (for example, influenza-like state) (S114). Then, the processor 111 controls to output the determined result to the display 114 or the like (S115). Thereby, a series of processing flows ends.

[0032] Note that, as an example, machine learning is used for the determination using the determination algorithm in S114. Specifically, first, in a medical institution or the like, a pharyngeal image of a patient with influenza and a label indicating whether it is influenza or not are collected. At this time, the correct label is assigned based on the results of a rapid influenza test by swab, a PCR test, a virus isolation culture test, etc. that the patient has undergone. Although the PCR test and the virus isolation culture test take several weeks until the results are known, since they show extremely high accuracy, their results are suitable as the correct label.

[0033] Next, teacher data (image data) is generated by labeling the judgment results of the PCR test or the virus isolation and culture test as correct answers. Machine learning is performed based on this teacher data to generate a judgment algorithm. This judgment algorithm is an algorithm for determining whether an image given is influenza-like. As a result, it becomes possible to quantify the possibility of influenza and indicate it as, for example, "98.5%". Note that the possibility may be indicated by appropriately combining, for example, the determination of "positive" and "negative", and the step evaluation such as high, medium, and low.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a specific processing flow of the extraction process performed in S113 of FIG. 4, which is executed by the processor 111 of the processing device 100 based on a program stored in the memory 112.

[0035] According to FIG. 5, the processor 111 ranks images from the video captured by the imaging device 200 based on the extraction position of the imaging target (S211). Next, the processor 111 ranks images from the video based on the degree of focus on a specific part (S212). Next, the processor 111 ranks based on the light irradiation state from the light source in the video (S213). Then, the processor 111 selects several images that are ranked high in the overall ranking (S214). Note that the extraction process is an example, and it is also possible to use criteria such as the width of the field of view and the shooting angle.

[0036] 4. Configuration of the imaging device 200The imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure includes an imaging device 200 that captures an image to be processed by the processing device 100. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 6, the imaging device 200 includes a main body 214 in which a camera 211 is housed on its inner surface and which can guide the light irradiated from a light source 212 inside, a grip 213 connected to the proximal end 220 of the main body 214 and gripped by a user, a diffusion plate 219 disposed at the distal end of the main body 214, and an I / O interface 222 disposed at an end of the grip 213. The other end of a wired cable having one end connected to the processing device 100 is connected to the I / O interface 222, and information is transmitted and received between the processing device 100 via the I / O interface 222.

[0037] In this embodiment, the imaging device 200 includes a recording button 215. Therefore, the user can instruct the start and end of imaging by the recording button of the input interface 113 of the processing device 100, but it is also possible to instruct the start and end of imaging using the recording button 215.

[0038] FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing the configuration of the upper surface of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the side surface of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the specific configuration of the imaging device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0039] According to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the main body 214 includes a proximal end 220 and a distal end 221, and is configured by a columnar body having a predetermined length in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which light is irradiated from the light source 212. And at least the distal end 221 of the main body 214 is inserted into the oral cavity.

[0040] The main body 214 is formed in a columnar shape with a hollow cylindrical cross-section that is a perfect circle. Its wall portion 224 can be made of any material capable of guiding light inside, and as an example, it can be obtained using a thermoplastic resin. For thermoplastic resins, polyolefin-based resins such as chain polyolefin-based resins (such as polypropylene-based resins), cyclic polyolefin-based resins (such as norbornene-based resins), cellulose ester-based resins such as triacetyl cellulose and diacetyl cellulose, polyester-based resins, polycarbonate-based resins, (meth)acrylic-based resins, polystyrene-based resins, or mixtures and copolymers thereof are used. That is, the main body 214 functions as a light guide for guiding the light irradiated from the light source into the oral cavity or in the direction of the diffusion plate.

[0041] Since the main body 214 is formed hollow, an accommodation space 223 is formed on its inner surface by the wall portion 224. The camera 211 is accommodated in this accommodation space 223. Note that the main body 214 only needs to be formed in a columnar shape having the accommodation space 223. Therefore, the accommodation space 223 does not necessarily need to have a cylindrical cross-section that is a perfect circle, and it may have an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. Also, the inside of the main body 214 does not necessarily need to be formed hollow.

[0042] Here, the length of the main body 214 is determined, for example, in relation to the position of the incisors of the subject. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a cross-section of the subject 7 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is a view showing a cross-section near the oral cavity of a general subject 7. According to FIG. 13, the subject 7 forms an oral cavity from the incisors 711 toward the back of the throat, and has a pharynx 715 as a subject at its deepest part. Therefore, in order to image the pharynx 715, the imaging device 200 is inserted with its tip near the soft palate 713. The subject 7 has a distance d1 from the incisors 711 to the soft palate 713. According to "Measurement of upper airway inner diameter in sleep apnea syndrome (Nobuo Ohtani)", J. Jpn. Bronchoesophagol. Soc. (Journal of the Japan Bronchoesophagological Society), Vol. 40, No. 5, pp, 396 - 402, the distance d1 is generally about 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0043] Returning to FIGS. 7A and 7B again, in the present embodiment, the main body 214 has a distance D1 as the length from the tip 221 to the base end 220. This distance D1 is preferably 100% or less, more preferably 80% or less, of the distance d1 from the incisor 711 to the soft palate 713. Generally, when a foreign object is inserted deep into the throat, a feeling of nausea is induced. On the other hand, if the main body 214 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 appropriately maintaining the sense of distance from the subject.

[0044] The grip 213 has its tip connected to the base end 220 of the main body 214. The user holds the grip 213 to perform operations such as inserting and removing the imaging device 200. The grip 213 is relatively thinner toward the tip side connected to the main body 214 and curved and bulged toward the base end side located on the opposite side of the main body 214 in accordance with the shape when held in the user's palm. In the present embodiment, it has a shape with a circular cross-section, but it does not necessarily have to be a perfect circle and may be an ellipse or a polygon.

[0045] Here, the width (distance D2) of the main body 214 in the direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the tip 221 and the base end 220 of the main body 214 is determined, for example, in relation to the opening width in the vertical direction of the subject's mouth. According to FIG. 13, the subject 7 has a distance d2 as the opening width in the vertical direction of the mouth. According to "Statistical study on the maximum opening amount in Japanese adult temporomandibular joint healthy subjects (Kotaro Tsukahara et al.)" Journal of the Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vo. 44, No. 2, pp159 - 167, in the case of a general adult male, the average is 3.5 cm to 4.0 cm.

[0046] Returning to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the imaging device 200 of the present embodiment is inserted together with the auxiliary tool 300 within the width of this distance d2. However, the user needs to perform imaging while observing the oral cavity from the gaps into which each is inserted. Therefore, it is beneficial that the imaging device 200 does not obstruct the visibility of the user in the inserted state. Thus, the distance D2 of the main body 214 is preferably 80% or less, preferably 60% or less, of the distance d2 which is the opening width in the vertical direction of the mouth, or 3.2 cm or less, preferably 2.4 cm or less.

[0047] The grip 213 has an engagement protrusion 217 and a positioning protrusion 218 for positioning the auxiliary tool 300 near the proximal end 220 of the main body 214. The engagement protrusion 217 engages with an engagement protrusion 318 provided on the auxiliary tool 300. Further, the positioning protrusion 218 is inserted into an insertion hole 321 provided in the auxiliary tool 300 to position the imaging device 200 and the auxiliary tool 300 relative to each other. In the present embodiment, a total of four engagement protrusions (engagement protrusions 217-1 to 217-4) of the engagement protrusions 217 of the main body 214 are arranged at equal intervals on the surface of the grip 213 at a position near the proximal end 220 of the main body 214. Further, one positioning protrusion 218 is arranged between the engagement protrusions 217 on the surface of the grip 213 at a position near the proximal end 220 of the main body 214. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to arrange only one of the engagement protrusion 217 and the positioning protrusion 218. Also, the number thereof may be any number as long as either the engagement protrusion 217 or the positioning protrusion 218 is one or a plurality of numbers.

[0048] The diffusion plate 219 is disposed at the distal end 221 of the main body 214, diffuses the light irradiated from the light source 212 and passing through the main body 214 toward the oral cavity. The diffusion plate 219 has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the main body 214 configured to be light-guiding. In the present embodiment, the main body 214 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. Therefore, the cross-section of the diffusion plate 219 is also formed in a hollow shape corresponding to the shape.

[0049] The camera 211 is used to generate a subject image by detecting the reflected light that has been diffused from the diffusion plate 219, irradiated into the oral cavity, and reflected by the subject. The camera 211 is disposed on the inner surface of the wall portion 224 of the main body 214, that is, in the accommodation space 223 formed inside the main body 214. In this embodiment, only one camera 211 is described, but the imaging device 200 may include a plurality of cameras. By generating a subject image using a plurality of cameras, the subject image will include information regarding the three-dimensional shape of the influenza follicles. Thereby, the influenza follicles can be detected more accurately and the possibility of contracting influenza can be determined by a determination algorithm. Also, in this embodiment, the camera 211 is disposed in the accommodation space 223 of the main body 214, but it may be disposed at the tip 221 of the main body 214 or on the main body 214 (either inside or on the outer periphery of the main body 214).

[0050] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the front configuration of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a view of the imaging device 200 shown in FIG. 7A as seen from the direction of the tip 221 of the main body 214. According to FIG. 8, as described above, the imaging device 200 has a grip 213 having a distance D2 as the width. And the main body 214 is disposed in the forward direction thereof. Also, the camera 211 is disposed deep inside the circle of the diffusion plate 219 formed in a donut shape when viewed from the front.

[0051] On the tip side of the grip 213, as described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, four engaging protrusions 217-1 to 217-4 and one positioning protrusion 218 are disposed. Among these, the engaging protrusions 217-1 to 2170-4 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the tip portion of the grip 213. Also, the positioning protrusion 218 is disposed between the engaging protrusions 217-1 and 217-2.

[0052] The light source 212 is disposed at a predetermined position deep inside the diffusion plate 219 and the main body 214, that is, in the direction of the grip 213. Light is irradiated from the light source 212 toward the main body 214, and the light that has passed through the main body 214 is diffused into the oral cavity from the diffusion plate 219. In the present embodiment, the light source 212 includes four light sources (light sources 212-1 to 212-4) arranged at equal intervals on a substrate 225 (not shown in FIG. 8) so as to face the proximal end 220 of the main body 214 corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the main body 214.

[0053] 5. Configuration of the auxiliary tool 300 FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of the auxiliary tool 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The auxiliary tool 300 is an auxiliary tool used for imaging inside the oral cavity of the subject 7. Therefore, it is not necessarily required when imaging the inside of the oral cavity with the imaging device 200, and it may not be used according to the desire of the user or the subject. At least a part of the tip side of the imaging device 200 is inserted into the auxiliary tool 300. Therefore, it is preferable that the auxiliary tool 300 has translucency from the viewpoint of ensuring a good visual field without interfering with the imaging device 200.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the auxiliary tool 300 is manufactured by integrally molding resin. However, it may be manufactured from other materials such as paper, cloth, metal, or a combination thereof. Further, the auxiliary tool 300 is preferably of a disposable type, but may be of a reusable type.

[0055] According to FIG. 8, the auxiliary tool 300 includes a main body 312 formed in a cylindrical shape, a gripping plate 311 disposed at the proximal end 316 of the main body 312, and a tongue depressor 315 disposed in the vicinity of the distal end 314 of the main body 312.

[0056] Since the main body 312 is configured to cover at least a part of the distal end 221 side of the main body 214 of the imaging device 200 inside thereof, it is formed on a cylinder having a predetermined length corresponding to the length of the main body 214. And, on the proximal end 316 side, there is a proximal end side opening 320 for inserting the imaging device 200, and on the distal end 314 side, there is a distal end side opening 313 for allowing the irradiation light from the light source 212 of the imaging device 200 and the reflected light from the subject to pass through. Note that, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary tool 300 is inserted into the oral cavity from the distal end 314.

[0057] Also, in the present embodiment, the main body 214 of the imaging device 200 has a substantially constant inner diameter and outer diameter from the proximal end 220 to the distal end 221. Therefore, the main body 312 of the auxiliary tool 300 is also formed such that the inner diameter and the outer diameter are substantially constant over the longitudinal direction corresponding to this shape. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the main body 312 is preferably formed corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the main body 214 of the imaging device 200, but any shape may be used as long as it can be inserted, and it may be any shape such as a perfect circle, an ellipse, or a polygon.

[0058] The gripping plate 311 is disposed along the proximal end 316 of the main body 312. The gripping plate 311 is used for being gripped by hand when the user inserts the auxiliary tool 300 into the oral cavity of the subject. In the present embodiment, the gripping plate 311 also functions as a regulating member for regulating further insertion of the auxiliary tool 300 by the surface on the distal end side abutting against the lip or the like of the subject when the auxiliary tool 300 is inserted into the oral cavity. Note that, in the present embodiment, a pair of gripping plates are arranged on the proximal end 316 side of the main body 312 to be symmetric in the vertical direction, but it may be formed in a donut shape along the proximal end 316 of the main body 312, and the shape may be any shape.

[0059] The tongue depressor 315 is disposed at the lower part of the main body 312 (the side in the direction of the tongue in the oral cavity) and is formed on the blade facing the tongue direction. When imaging with the imaging device 200, the movement of the subject's tongue in front of the imaging device 200 obstructs the imaging in the oral cavity. The tongue depressor 315 presses the tongue downward to restrict the movement of the tongue in the oral cavity and prevent the tongue from being positioned in front of the imaging device 200. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the tongue depressor 315 is formed on the blade, but any shape may be used as long as this function can be realized.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the side surface of the auxiliary tool 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 10, as described above, 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.

[0061] Further, on the base end 316 side of the main body 312, a mechanism for positioning is provided when the imaging device 200 is inserted from the base end 316 side. Specifically, the main body 312 includes a pair of grooves 319 formed with a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the outer periphery of the main body 312, a region 317 formed by the pair of grooves 319, an engaging protrusion 318 configured to engage with an engaging protrusion 217 disposed at the tip of the grip 213 of the imaging device 200 and disposed in the region 317, and an insertion hole 321 into which the positioning protrusion 218 of the grip 213 is inserted.

[0062] The engaging protrusion 318 is provided at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion 217 disposed on the grip 213 of the imaging device 200 and protrudes in a direction toward the inner surface of the main body 312. Therefore in the present embodiment, four engaging protrusions 318-1 to 318-4 are disposed at positions corresponding to the four engaging protrusions 217-1 to 217-4. The insertion hole 321 is provided at a position corresponding to the positioning protrusion 218 disposed on the grip 213 of the imaging device 200. Therefore, in the present embodiment, one insertion hole 321 is disposed at a position corresponding to one positioning protrusion 218.

[0063] Here, FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the imaging device 200 and the accessory 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, each mechanism arranged at the proximal end 316 of the main body 312 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. First, when the imaging device 200 is inserted into the proximal end 316 of the accessory 300 and reaches near the distal end 314, an engaging protrusion 217 formed to protrude outward from the grip 213 of the imaging device 200 abuts against an engaging protrusion 318 formed toward the inner surface of the main body 312 of the accessory 300. Here, in the present embodiment, the engaging protrusions 318-1 to 318-4 of the main body 312 are formed in regions 317-1 to 317-4 formed by a pair of grooves 319-1a and 319-1b to 319-4a and 319-4b. Therefore, when a force is applied in the direction of further inserting the imaging device 200 in a state where the engaging protrusion 217 of the imaging device 200 and the engaging protrusion 318 of the accessory 300 are in contact, the region 317 formed by the pair of grooves 319 is lifted. As a result, the engaging protrusion 217 of the imaging device 200 is further inserted beyond the engaging protrusion 318 of the accessory 300.

[0064] Next, when the imaging device 200 is inserted beyond the engaging protrusion 318 of the accessory 300, a positioning protrusion 218 provided to protrude outward on the grip 213 of the imaging device 200 is inserted into the insertion hole 321 of the accessory 300. Then, the positioning protrusion 218 of the imaging device 200 abuts against the wall surface of the insertion hole 321 formed on the distal end 314 side. As a result, further insertion of the imaging device 200 in the direction of the distal end 314 of the accessory 300 is restricted.

[0065] That is, in the present embodiment, in a state where the imaging device 200 is completely inserted into the accessory 300, the movement of the imaging device 200 in the direction in which the imaging device 200 is inserted is restricted by the positioning protrusion 218 and the insertion hole 321, and the movement of the imaging device 200 in the direction opposite to the said direction, that is, the direction in which the imaging device 200 is removed, is restricted by the engaging protrusion 217 and the engaging protrusion 318.

[0066] 6. Configuration of the light source 212FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of an imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 12, a total of four light sources 212-1 to 212-4 are arranged on a substrate 225 disposed on the distal end side of the grip 213. The light source 212 is, for example, composed of LEDs, and light having a predetermined frequency band is irradiated from each LED toward the oral cavity. Specifically, the light irradiated from the light source 212 enters the proximal end 220 of the main body 214 and is guided by the wall portion 224 of the main body 214 in the direction of the diffusion plate 219. The light reaching the diffusion plate 219 is diffused into the oral cavity by the diffusion plate 219. Then, the light diffused by the diffusion plate 219 is reflected by a subject such as the pharynx 715. When this reflected light reaches the camera 211, a subject image is generated.

[0067] Note that the light sources 212-1 to 212-4 may be configured to be independently controlled. For example, by lighting a part of the light sources 212-1 to 212-4, the shadow of the influenza follicle having a three-dimensional shape can be included in the subject image. As a result, the subject image includes information regarding the three-dimensional shape of the influenza follicle, so that the influenza follicle can be detected more accurately and the possibility of contracting influenza can be determined by a determination algorithm.

[0068] Also, in the present embodiment, the light sources 212-1 to 212-4 are arranged on the proximal end 220 side of the main body 214, but may be arranged at the distal end 221 of the main body 214 or on the main body 214 (either inside or on the outer periphery of the main body 214).

[0069] In this embodiment, the diffuser plate 219 is used to prevent the light irradiated from the light source 212 from illuminating only a part of the oral cavity and to generate uniform light. Therefore, as an example, a fine lens array is formed on the surface of the diffuser plate 219, and a lens-shaped diffuser plate having an arbitrary diffusion angle is used. Alternatively, a diffuser plate capable of diffusing light by other methods, such as a diffuser plate that realizes a light diffusion function by randomly arranged fine irregularities on the surface, may be used. Furthermore, the diffuser plate 219 may be configured integrally with the main body 214. For example, it can be realized by a method such as forming fine irregularities on the tip portion of the main body 214.

[0070] Also, in this embodiment, the diffuser plate 219 is disposed on the tip 221 side of the main body 214. However, it is not limited to this, and it may be anywhere between the light source 212 and the oral cavity to be irradiated, for example, it may be disposed at the tip 221 of the main body 214 or on the main body 214 (either inside or on the outer periphery of the main body 214).

[0071] As described above, the imaging device 200 according to this embodiment can be inserted into the oral cavity of a subject for imaging. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately determine the presence of a disease by processing the subject image obtained thereby.

[0072] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, the case where the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200 are communicably connected via a wired cable has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and the two may be connected by wireless communication. In this case, for example, the subject image captured by the imaging device 200 is transmitted to a server device installed remotely, and the server device is made to function as a processing device to determine the presence of a disease, or it is transmitted to a doctor's terminal device installed remotely, and the device is made to function as a processing device to make a determination together with the doctor's opinion.

[0073] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200 are communicably connected via a wired cable has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging device 200 itself may be equipped with the determination function of the processing device 100 to determine the disease-likeness. In this case, the determination result may be output, for example, from an output unit provided in the imaging device 200, or may be output to a user terminal device connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the imaging device 200 and the auxiliary tool 300 are configured as separate bodies has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the two may be integrally configured. For example, the imaging device 200 may be arranged such that a tongue pressure element for restricting the movement of the tongue in the oral cavity is disposed on the tongue-side surface of the main body 214 so as to be located on the tongue side of the oral cavity. By doing so, it becomes possible to perform imaging without using the auxiliary tool 300.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1 Imaging system 100 Processing device 200 Imaging device 211 Camera 212, 212-1 to 212-4 Light source 213 Grip 214 Main body 215 Recording button 217, 217-1 to 217-4 Engagement protrusion 218 Positioning protrusion 219 Diffusion plate 220 Base end 221 Tip 222 I / O interface 223 Accommodation space 224 Wall portion 225 Substrate 300 Auxiliary tool 311 Holding plate 312 Main body 313 Tip-side opening 314 Tip 315 Tongue pressure element 316 Base end 317, 317-1 to 317-4 Region 318, 318-1 to 318-4 Engagement protrusion 319, 319-1a and 319-1b to 319-4a and 319-4b Pair of grooves 320 Base-end-side opening 321 Insertion hole

Claims

1. A main body having a proximal end and a distal end, and formed in a columnar shape with a predetermined length between the proximal end and the distal end so that at least the distal end can be inserted into the oral cavity; One or more light sources arranged on the proximal end side of the main body and configured to irradiate light in a predetermined frequency band; A diffusion plate arranged on the distal end side of the main body and configured to diffuse the light irradiated from the light source toward the oral cavity; A camera arranged on the proximal end side or the distal end side of the main body, or on the main body, and configured to capture a subject image based on the reflected light diffused from the diffusion plate and reflected by the oral cavity; comprising; The main body functions as a light guide to guide the light irradiated from the one or more light sources to the diffusion plate, and is an imaging device.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the subject image is an image of the pharynx.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined frequency band is an ultraviolet light band.

4. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the camera has a depth of field of at least 20 mm or more.

5. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined length is equal to or less than the distance from the incisors to the soft palate of the subject.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the main body in a direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the proximal end and the distal end of the main body is equal to or less than 80% of the vertical opening width of the subject.

7. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a grip for the user of the imaging device to hold on the proximal end side of the main body.

8. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a part thereof is covered by being inserted into a tubular auxiliary tool in the direction connecting the proximal end and the distal end of the main body.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, having at least one engaging protrusion configured to engage with the engaging protrusion of the auxiliary tool.

10. The imaging device according to claim 8 or 9, having a positioning protrusion configured to be inserted into the insertion hole of the auxiliary tool to position the imaging device and the auxiliary tool.

11. A main body having a proximal end and a distal end, and formed in a columnar shape with a predetermined length between the proximal end and the distal end so that at least the distal end can be inserted into the oral cavity; One or more light sources disposed on the proximal end side of the main body and configured to irradiate light in a predetermined frequency band toward the oral cavity; A camera disposed on the distal end side of the main body and configured to capture a subject image based on the reflected light that is irradiated from the one or more light sources and reflected by the oral cavity; A tongue presser disposed on the main body and configured to restrict the movement of the tongue in the oral cavity; comprising; The main body functions as a light guide to guide the light irradiated from the one or more light sources to a diffusion plate configured to diffuse the light from the distal end toward the oral cavity, and is an imaging device.

12. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A processing device communicably connected to the imaging device by wire or wirelessly and configured to process the subject image captured by the imaging device; An imaging system comprising.

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