Dental equipment

Abstract

To provide a dental treatment instrument, regardless of a contactless operation, allowing a user to operate with a same feeling as that of the conventional touch panel or switch without a sense of incongruity in operating displayed operation buttons.SOLUTION: A control device 9 includes a space display device 80 for displaying an image of operation buttons for operating a medical treatment instrument 10 in a prescribed space; and a sensor 83 for detecting a user's operation onto a prescribed space, the control device 9 when the sensor 83 detects the user's operation onto an operation button displayed in the prescribed space, controlling the medical treatment instrument 10 according to the operation button. When a prescribed event occurs, the control device 9 validates the user's operation detected by the sensor 83 to control the medical treatment instrument 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to dental treatment equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of dentistry, a practitioner (user) treats a patient's teeth using dental equipment (e.g., a handpiece, a scaler, an intraoral 3D scanner, a 2D handheld camera, a root canal treatment device, or an LED light curing device) connected to a control device via a cable, etc. Also, while treating a patient's teeth, the practitioner can change the settings of the dental equipment, start and stop the dental equipment, etc., by operating the operation buttons provided on the control device.

[0003] However, the hands and fingers of the surgeon may come into contact with the inside of the patient's mouth during treatment and may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, etc. Therefore, from a hygienic standpoint, it is not desirable for the surgeon to directly operate the operation buttons on the control device with their hands or fingers during treatment.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a medical treatment device that allows an operator to input operations to a control device without direct contact. The medical treatment device of Patent Document 1 is provided with an optical phase difference sensor means that detects an operator's operation, and the operator can operate the device without direct contact based on the operator's operation detected by the optical phase difference sensor means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5570801 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the medical treatment device of Patent Document 1 uses an optical phase difference sensor means, so it is necessary to change the settings of the dental device and start and stop the dental device using touchless motion operations that are different from operations using touch panels, switches, etc. This means that the surgeon must learn touchless motion operations that are different from the conventional operations using touch panels, switches, etc., and there is also the problem that it takes time to get used to these operations.

[0007] Furthermore, in the medical diagnostic device of Patent Document 1, a selection icon displayed on a PC display device is moved in the XYZ directions using touchless motion operation, but there is always a distance between the display on the PC display device and the surgeon's fingers. Therefore, there is always a discrepancy between the position of the selection icon on the PC display device that the surgeon sees and the position that is operated using touchless motion operation, which can make the surgeon feel uncomfortable when operating the selection icon (operation button) displayed on the PC display device.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide dental treatment equipment that is contactless, yet allows the user to operate the displayed operation buttons without feeling uncomfortable, and can be operated with the same feel as using a conventional touch panel or switch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The dental treatment device according to the present disclosure is a dental treatment device comprising: a treatment chair on which a patient can sit and lie on their back when receiving treatment from a surgeon; It is mounted in a position that can be seen from the surrounding area. The device comprises a spatial display device including a monitor that displays a predetermined image, a tray table, a display unit that displays an image including at least operation buttons for operating the intraoral camera, and an image formation plate that forms an image displayed on the display unit in a predetermined space on the tray table, a detection unit that detects a user's operation on the predetermined space in which the image is displayed, and a control unit that displays an image of the oral cavity captured by the intraoral camera on the monitor as the predetermined image when the detection unit detects that an operation button on the image formed in the predetermined space has been operated. The spatial display device forms an image in a predetermined space provided on the upper surface of the tray table and at the end side where the surgeon is positioned, while the surgeon is standing above the upper surface of the tray table as seen from the surgeon's position. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the dental treatment equipment disclosed herein, a detection unit detects user operations on a specified space displaying an image of an operation button, so that even though the operation is non-contact, there is no discrepancy between the position of the operation button that the user sees and the position at which the operation is performed, and the user can operate the operation button without any discomfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of a medical diagnostic device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the medical diagnostic device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display of an operation panel image. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a spatial display device that displays an operation panel image. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a display process of a medical diagnostic device. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a display mode of an operation panel image in which operation buttons cannot be operated. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of operation panels with different display positions. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation panel displayed on the lighting device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation panel displayed on a treatment chair. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for switching the display position of medical diagnostic equipment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a display on a monitor. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the display of an operation panel image of another medical diagnostic device. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the display of an operation panel image of yet another medical diagnostic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] In this embodiment, an operation panel of a medical diagnostic device that can be used for dental treatment will be described as one example of an operation panel that displays images of operation buttons in a predetermined space. Note that the operation panel of a medical diagnostic device is not limited to dentistry, but can also be applied to all medical treatments such as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, radiology, and veterinary medicine. Furthermore, treatment includes diagnosis and treatment.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of the medical diagnostic device 10. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the medical diagnostic device 10.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the medical examination equipment 10 includes a medical chair 1, a foot controller 5, a tray table 3, a control device 9, an instrument holder 30, a speaker 20, monitors 6 and 50, a basin unit 2, and a lighting device 7.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the medical diagnostic device 10 includes functional units that perform functions, such as an operation unit 12, a seat driver 11, a panel controller 13, a diagnostic instrument driver 14, monitor controllers 15 and 15a, a basin controller 16, and a lighting controller 17. Each of these functional units fulfills its function based on the operator's (user's) operation of an image of operation buttons displayed on a spatial display device 80 (spatial display unit) (described later). (Hereinafter, an image displaying multiple operation buttons in an operation space will be referred to as an operation panel image 8.) Each of these functional units and the control device 9 is configured by a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown)) mounted on a circuit board.

[0017] The treatment chair 1 is a chair on which a patient sits when receiving treatment from a surgeon, and is equipped with a headrest 1a that supports the patient's head, a backrest 1b that supports the patient's back, a seat 1c that supports the patient's tail and buttocks, and a footrest 1d that supports the patient's feet. The headrest 1a, backrest 1b, seat 1c, and footrest 1d are connected to a seat drive unit 11. The seat drive unit 11 drives the headrest 1a, backrest 1b, seat 1c, and footrest 1d.

[0018] For example, based on the control of the seat drive unit 11, the seat 1c can be raised (also referred to as raising the treatment chair 1), thereby raising the patient seated in the treatment chair 1. On the other hand, based on the control of the seat drive unit 11, the seat 1c can be lowered (also referred to as lowering the treatment chair 1), thereby lowering the patient seated in the treatment chair 1. Also, based on the control of the seat drive unit 11, the headrest 1a, backrest 1b, and footrest 1d can be moved vertically relative to the seat 1c (also referred to as raising the treatment chair 1), thereby putting the patient seated in the treatment chair 1 into a sitting position. On the other hand, based on the control of the seat drive unit 11, the headrest 1a, backrest 1b, and footrest 1d can be moved horizontally relative to the seat 1c (also referred to as tilting the treatment chair 1), thereby putting the patient seated in the treatment chair 1 into a supine position.

[0019] In this way, the seat drive unit 11 has the function of raising, lowering, standing up, and tilting the treatment chair 1 by driving the headrest 1a, backrest 1b, seat 1c, and footrest 1d.

[0020] The seat driver 11 also includes a pinch detector 11a. The pinch detector 11a is connected to the treatment chair 1 and detects whether the patient's clothes, cords, etc. are pinched when the treatment chair 1 is driven, and prohibits the treatment chair 1 from being driven if pinch is detected.

[0021] The foot controller 5 receives an operation for driving the treatment chair 1 by a foot operation of an operator or the like, and also receives an operation for driving the treatment instrument 4 described later.

[0022] For example, by stepping on a switch for driving the treatment chair provided on the foot controller 5, a control signal is output from the operation unit 12 provided on the foot controller 5 to the seat drive unit 11, and the treatment chair 1 is driven by the control of the seat drive unit 11. Also, by stepping on a switch for driving the treatment instrument provided on the foot controller 5, a control signal is output from the operation unit 12 to the treatment instrument drive unit 14, and the treatment instrument 4 is driven by the control of the treatment instrument drive unit 14.

[0023] In this way, the operation unit 12 has a function of accepting operations for driving the treatment chair 1, the treatment instrument 4, and the like.

[0024] The tray table 3 is used as a storage table during treatment. The tray table 3 is connected to an arm (not shown) extending from the treatment chair 1 or the floor, and can be manually rotated, moved horizontally, and moved vertically relative to the treatment chair 1.

[0025] A control device 9 is provided on the bottom surface of the tray table 3. The control device 9 is connected to a plurality of medical instruments 4, a spatial display device 80, a sensor 83, an instrument holder 30, a speaker 20, and a monitor 6. The control device 9 is a control unit for driving each of these components.

[0026] The medical instrument 4 is an instrument used in medical treatment, such as an air turbine handpiece (high-speed handpiece), a micromotor handpiece (low-speed handpiece), a scaler, a three-way syringe, a vacuum syringe, etc. However, the medical instrument 4 is not limited to these, and may also be an intraoral camera, a photopolymerization irradiator, a root canal length measuring instrument, a root canal enlarger, or a non-moving instrument such as a mirror or a syringe.

[0027] In this embodiment, five types of medical instruments 4a to 4e are used. High-speed handpieces (also referred to as HS (HS1, HS2)) are used as the medical instruments 4a and 4b, low-speed handpieces (also referred to as LS (LS1, LS2)) are used as the medical instruments 4c and 4d, and a scaler (also referred to as SC) is used as the medical instrument 4e. These medical instruments 4 are held by an instrument holder 30. When the medical instrument 4 to be used is removed from the instrument holder 30, the instrument holder 30 releases the instrument from its holding. When the instrument holder 30 releases the medical instrument 4, the medical instrument 4 enters a selected state.

[0028] Each of the medical instruments 4 is connected to a medical instrument driving unit 14 provided in the control device 9. The medical instrument driving unit 14 drives each of the medical instruments 4 based on a user's operation received by the operation unit 12. For example, based on the control of the medical instrument driving unit 14, a cutting tool held in the head of HS1 or HS2 rotates and can be used for dental treatment.

[0029] In this way, the medical instrument driving unit 14 has the function of driving the medical instrument 4 based on the user's operation.

[0030] The spatial display device 80 displays an operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space on the tray table 3. As will be described later, the operation panel image 8 is displayed in the space between the instrument holder 30 and the top edge of the tray table 3, which is the predetermined space on the tray table 3 (see FIG. 3). However, in FIG. 1, the spatial display device 80 is in the OFF state, so the operation panel image 8 is not displayed in the predetermined space on the tray table 3.

[0031] The operation panel image 8 displays each operation button operated to perform each function using an identifiable icon or the like. A user such as a surgeon can operate each operation button by moving their finger to the position of each operation button displayed on the operation panel image 8. The sensor 83 can detect user operations on a predetermined space in which the operation panel image 8 is displayed on the spatial display device 80. Therefore, when the user's finger overlaps the position of an operation button on the operation panel image 8 displayed on the spatial display device 80, the sensor 83 detects that the operation button at that position has been operated.

[0032] The spatial display device 80 and the sensor 83 are connected to a panel control unit 13 provided in the control device 9. The panel control unit 13 controls the spatial display device 80 so that operation buttons corresponding to functional units that can perform a function are displayed on the operation panel image 8. Furthermore, when the sensor 83 detects that the user's finger is over a displayed operation button, the panel control unit 13 outputs a control signal to the functional unit corresponding to the operated operation button to cause it to perform the function.

[0033] In this way, the panel control unit 13 has the function of displaying an operation button on the operation panel image 8 displayed on the spatial display device 80 depending on whether or not the function can be performed, and of causing the function unit to perform the function corresponding to the operation of the operation button detected by the sensor 83.

[0034] The instrument holder 30 is a holding member that holds the medical instruments 4, and is connected to a holding release identifying unit 18 provided in the control device 9. The holding release identifying unit 18 identifies the medical instruments 4 that are being held by the instrument holder 30 and the medical instruments 4 that have been released from their holding, and outputs a control signal that can identify the determination result to the panel control unit 13.

[0035] The speaker 20 outputs a predetermined sound. The speaker 20 is connected to an alarm sound output unit 19 provided in the control device 9. The alarm sound output unit 19 drives the speaker 20 to output an alarm sound based on a control signal from the panel control unit 13. In this embodiment, for example, when an operation button on the operation panel image 8 displayed on the spatial display device 80 that cannot perform its function is operated, an alarm sound is output from the speaker 20 based on the control of the alarm sound output unit 19.

[0036] The monitor 6 is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays predetermined images under the control of a monitor control unit 15 provided in the control device 9. For example, under the control of the monitor control unit 15, the monitor 6 can display an image showing the driving information of a medical instrument 4 that has been taken out of the instrument holder 30 and is being used, an image showing the driving information of a medical instrument 4 that has been selected by operating an operation button on the operation panel image 8, an image showing the position of the tip of a cutting tool in a root canal, and an image of the oral cavity taken by an intraoral camera.

[0037] In this way, the monitor control unit 15 has a function of displaying a predetermined image on the screen of the monitor 6.

[0038] The basin unit 2 is attached to the side of the treatment chair 1 and includes a basin 2a with a drain hole, a cup stand 2b on which a cup is placed, and a water tap 2c for supplying water to the cup. The basin unit 2 is a stand on which a patient gargles using water supplied from the water tap 2c to the cup. The basin unit 2 also includes a basin control unit 16, which controls the flow of water used in the medical examination device 10.

[0039] In this way, the basin control unit 16 has the function of controlling the flow of water used in the medical diagnostic device 10.

[0040] Furthermore, the basin unit 2 includes a lighting control unit 17, which controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lighting device 7.

[0041] In this way, the lighting control unit 17 has a function of controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the lighting device 7 (also referred to as a lighting control function).

[0042] The basin unit 2 also includes a monitor control unit 15a and a monitor 50. The monitor 50 is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays a predetermined image under the control of the monitor control unit 15a. For example, under the control of the monitor control unit 15a, the monitor 50 can display an image showing the position of the tip of the cutting tool in the root canal, an image of the oral cavity captured by an intraoral camera, and the like.

[0043] In this way, the monitor control unit 15a has a function of displaying a predetermined image on the screen of the monitor 50.

[0044] The medical diagnostic device 10 may have a configuration other than that shown in FIG. 1 and a functional unit other than that shown in FIG.

[0045] Next, the operation panel image 8 displayed on the spatial display device 80 will be described in detail. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the display of the operation panel image. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the spatial display device that displays the operation panel image. The spatial display device 80 is a three-dimensional display device that uses a mirror array imaging element to display the operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space on the tray table 3. The spatial display device 80 is provided inside the tray table 3 as shown in Fig. 4, and when turned on, displays the operation panel image 8 in the space between the instrument holder 30 and the top edge of the tray table 3.

[0046] The operation panel image 8 is displayed floating in space as shown in Fig. 3, and displays a plurality of operation buttons such as icons. The operation buttons displayed on the operation panel image 8 include, for example, an operation button that performs a function of moving the treatment chair 1 to a predetermined position with a single press (also called the chair auto function), an operation button that performs a function of switching the lighting device 7 on and off, and an operation button that performs a function of switching the setting range of the rotation speed of the low-speed handpiece (LS) and the setting range of the drive force of the scaler (SC).

[0047] In addition to the operation buttons, the operation panel image 8 also displays a digital display that shows the maximum LS rotation speed and the maximum SC driving force according to the setting range. By operating the "minus" operation button while looking at the digital display, the user can set the LS rotation speed and SC driving force to a lower value, and by operating the "plus" operation button, the user can set the LS rotation speed and SC driving force to a higher value.

[0048] In the operation panel image 8, the user operates operation buttons that are displayed floating in space, allowing each function to be performed using the same operations as conventional touch panels, switches, etc. Also, there is no need to learn new operations such as touchless motion operation, and users who are accustomed to operating conventional operation panels can operate them in the same way.

[0049] Furthermore, in the operation panel image 8, when the user's finger overlaps the position of an operation button displayed on the spatial display device 80, the sensor 83 detects that the operation button at that position has been operated. Therefore, there is little misalignment between the position of the operation button and the user's finger when operating the operation button, and the user can operate the operation button without any discomfort compared to when an optical phase difference sensor means is used.

[0050] Next, the configuration of spatial display device 80 that displays operation buttons in a predetermined space will be described in more detail. Spatial display device 80 includes a display unit 81 that displays an image of an operation panel including a plurality of operation buttons, and an image forming plate 82 that forms an image of the image displayed on display unit 81 in a predetermined space. Display unit 81 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and display unit 81 may be any display device that can display an image of an operation panel, such as a plasma display, an organic EL display, or a cathode ray tube display.

[0051] Image forming plate 82 is a mirror array imaging element, and has a plurality of first light reflecting portions arranged with gaps between them, and a plurality of second light reflecting portions arranged perpendicular to the first light reflecting portions. Therefore, when an image of the operation panel is displayed on display unit 81, the light of the image is reflected by the first light reflecting portions and the second light reflecting portions of image forming plate 82, and the image of the operation panel is formed as operation panel image 8 in the space on the opposite side of image forming plate 82 from display unit 81.

[0052] The spatial display device 80 shown in Fig. 4 is provided inside the tray table 3. In particular, the display unit 81 is attached to the inside of the upper surface of the tray table 3, and displays an image of the operation panel toward the bottom surface of the tray table 3. In other words, the display unit 81 is attached parallel to the upper surface of the tray table 3, with the display surface facing the bottom surface.

[0053] The image forming plate 82 is provided inside the tray table 3 and abuts against one side of the display unit 81. The image forming plate 82 is provided at a position rotated by a predetermined angle around the side that abuts against the display unit 81 as an axis. When the image forming plate 82 is provided at a position rotated by a predetermined angle relative to the display unit 81, the image of the display unit 81 is formed at a position rotated by a further predetermined angle from the image forming plate 82 and is displayed as the operation panel image 8. Therefore, the position where the operation panel image 8 is displayed is in the space outside the end of the tray table 3.

[0054] A sensor 83 is further provided at the end of the tray table 3. The sensor 83 is a detection unit that detects user operations in a predetermined space in which the operation panel image 8 is displayed on the spatial display device 80. The sensor 83 is, for example, an infrared sensor, and acquires position information of the user's fingers in the space in which the operation panel image 8 is displayed, and detects the user's operation based on information about the display position of the operation button on the operation panel image 8 that overlaps with the acquired position. Note that the sensor 83 is not limited to an infrared sensor, and may be any sensor that detects user operations in a predetermined space.

[0055] Next, Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the display processing of the medical diagnostic equipment 10. First, when the power of the medical diagnostic equipment 10 is turned on, the control device 9 executes display initialization processing such as resetting the image memory and displaying the initial screen of the spatial display device 80 (step S11). The control device 9 executes sensor disable processing to prevent the sensor 83 from accidentally detecting user operations until the operation panel image 8 is displayed and the sensor 83 can detect user operations (step S12). The control device 9 executes counter initialization processing to initialize a counter that counts the time until operation of the operation buttons of the operation panel image 8, which will be described later, is prohibited (step S13).

[0056] The control device 9 determines whether a predetermined event has occurred (step S14). For example, when the user operates the foot controller 5 and a corresponding control signal is input from the operation unit 12, the control device 9 determines that a predetermined event has occurred. The predetermined event is not limited to when the user operates the foot controller 5, but may be when the control device 9 detects an operation of an operation unit that the user does not directly operate with his / her hands among the operation units provided in the medical diagnostic device 10. Examples of operation units that the user does not directly operate with his / her hands include an image capture device that receives an operation by a change in the user's line of sight or a gesture, a microphone that receives an operation by the user's voice, and an operation to remove the medical instrument 4 to be used from the instrument holder 30.

[0057] If it is determined that a predetermined event has not occurred (NO in step S14), the control device 9 returns the process to step S14 and monitors for the occurrence of a predetermined event. If it is determined that a predetermined event has occurred (YES in step S14), the control device 9 performs a spatial display process in which the spatial display device 80 displays the operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space (step S15). Specifically, as the spatial display process, the control device 9 causes the spatial display device 80 to display the operation panel image 8 in a display mode in which the user can operate the operation buttons, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the operation buttons of the operation panel image 8 are displayed in a predetermined space by the spatial display device 80, allowing the user to operate them contactlessly without directly touching physical buttons or switches. However, since the operation buttons of the operation panel image 8 are merely displayed in space and do not physically exist, it is conceivable that the user may accidentally enter the space where the operation buttons are displayed. In such a case, the device may malfunction against the user's intention. In particular, with the medical diagnostic device 10, it is necessary to prevent malfunctions during treatment to ensure the safety of patients. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation panel image 8 is displayed in a display mode that allows operation of the operation buttons only when a predetermined event occurs based on the user's intention to operate the operation buttons of the operation panel image 8.

[0059] On the other hand, when a predetermined event has not occurred (when a predetermined event has not occurred), the control device 9 causes the spatial display device 80 to display an image in a display mode in which the user cannot operate the operation buttons. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the operation panel image 8 in which the operation buttons are inoperable. In the operation panel image 8 shown in FIG. 6, the words "Not available" are displayed instead of the operation button icons, indicating that the operation buttons are inoperable. The display mode of the operation panel image 8 in which the operation buttons are inoperable is not limited to the display mode shown in FIG. 6, and other display modes may be used as long as they can notify the user that the operation buttons are inoperable. Examples of such display modes include a display mode in which the color of the icon changes depending on whether the operation buttons are operable or not, and a mode in which only icons for operable operation buttons are displayed and icons for inoperable operation buttons are not displayed. In other words, the control device 9 may change the display mode depending on whether a predetermined event has occurred and other cases, and display the image on the spatial display device 80 in that mode. The control device 9 may not display the operation panel image 8 at all when a predetermined event has not occurred.

[0060] The control device 9 determines whether or not the user has performed a non-touch operation on an operation button of the operation panel image 8 displayed in an operable display mode (step S16). Here, the non-touch operation by the user means that the sensor 83 detects that the user's finger has overlapped the position of the operation button displayed on the spatial display device 80. If the user has performed a non-touch operation (YES in step S16), the control device 9 executes a sensor enable process that performs control to activate a function corresponding to the operation button that has been non-touched by the user (step S17). This allows the user to operate the operation button on the operation panel image 8 displayed in the space to control the seat drive unit 11, the lighting control unit 17, and the like.

[0061] On the other hand, if there is no touchless operation by the user (NO in step S16), the control device 9 displays the operation panel image 8 in a display mode that allows operation of the operation buttons, and then increments the count of a counter that counts the period during which no touchless operation by the user is performed by one (step S18). Here, the counter increments the count by one every second, for example. The control device 9 determines whether the count is greater than 10 (step S19). That is, the control device 9 determines whether the period during which no touchless operation by the user is performed has continued for 10 seconds.

[0062] If the control device 9 determines that the count is 10 or less (NO in step S19), the control device 9 returns the process to step S14 and continues the process of determining whether or not the user has performed a non-touch operation on the operation button of the operation panel image 8 as long as the predetermined event continues to occur. If the control device 9 determines that the count is greater than 10 (YES in step S19), the control device 9 determines that the user has not operated the operation button within a predetermined time, prohibits the sensor 83 from detecting the user's operation, and causes the spatial display device 80 to display the operation panel image 8 in a display mode in which the user cannot operate the operation button (step S20). The display mode in which the operation button cannot be operated is, for example, the mode shown in FIG. 6. In addition to displaying the operation panel image 8 in a display mode in which the operation button cannot be operated, the control device 9 may also hide the image of the operation panel image 8 itself on the spatial display device 80.

[0063] After steps S17 and S20, the control device 9 determines whether or not the end of the display process has been received (step S21). If the end of the display process has been received (YES in step S21), the control device 9 ends the display process. On the other hand, if the end of the display process has not been received (NO in step S21), the control device 9 returns the process to step S13.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the operation panel image 8 is described as being displayed in the space between the instrument holder 30 and the upper edge of the tray table 3, as shown in FIG. 3. However, the display position of the operation panel image 8 displayed on the tray table 3 is not limited to the space between the instrument holder 30 and the upper edge of the tray table 3. FIG. 7 shows examples of operation panels displayed in different positions. In FIG. 7(a), the operation panel image 8 is displayed on the upper surface of the tray table 3, at the edge of the tray table 3. In FIG. 7(b), the operation panel image 8 is displayed on the upper surface of the tray table 3, at the center of the tray table 3.

[0065] As described above, the control device for controlling the medical and diagnostic equipment 10 according to the first embodiment includes a spatial display device 80 that displays images of operation buttons for operating the medical and diagnostic equipment 10 in a predetermined space, a sensor 83 that detects a user's operation on the predetermined space, and a control device 9 that controls the medical and diagnostic equipment 10 in accordance with the operation button when the sensor 83 detects the user's operation on the operation button displayed in the predetermined space. When a predetermined event occurs, the control device 9 validates the user's operation detected by the sensor 83 and controls the medical and diagnostic equipment 10.

[0066] With this configuration, the control device 9 according to the first embodiment detects a user's operation in a predetermined space with the sensor 83, so that even though it is a contactless operation, there is no deviation between the position of the operation button that the user sees and the position at which the operation is performed, and the user can operate the operation button without feeling uncomfortable. Also, the control device 9 validates the user's operation detected by the sensor 83 only when a predetermined event occurs, so that it is possible to prevent the operation button from being operated by mistake.

[0067] The medical and diagnostic device 10 may be a dental diagnostic device, or may be a dental diagnostic system including a dental diagnostic device and the control device 9 described above.

[0068] This control method for controlling a medical diagnostic device 10 includes a spatial display device 80 that displays, in a predetermined space, images of operation buttons for operating the medical diagnostic device 10, a sensor 83 that detects user operations in the predetermined space, and a control device 9 that controls the medical diagnostic device 10 in accordance with the operation button when the sensor 83 detects the user's operation on the operation button displayed in the predetermined space. The control method includes the steps of: determining in the control device 9 whether a predetermined event has occurred; and, when it is determined that the predetermined event has occurred, validating the user's operation detected by the sensor 83 and controlling the medical diagnostic device. With this configuration, the control method according to the first embodiment validates the user's operation detected by the sensor 83 only when the predetermined event has occurred, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the operation button.

[0069] The control device 9 may change the display mode depending on whether a predetermined event has occurred or not, and cause the spatial display device 80 to display the operation panel image 8. This allows the user to easily determine whether an operation on the operation panel image 8 is valid or invalid.

[0070] When a predetermined event occurs, the control device 9 may cause the spatial display device 80 to display the operation panel image 8 in a display mode in which the user can operate the operation buttons, and in other cases, may cause the spatial display device 80 to display the operation panel image 8 in a display mode in which the user cannot operate the operation buttons. This allows the user to easily determine whether the operation buttons on the operation panel image 8 can be operated or not.

[0071] When a predetermined event occurs but the user does not operate the operation button within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), the control device 9 may prohibit the sensor 83 from detecting the user's operation and may cause the spatial display device 80 to display the operation panel image 8 in a display mode that makes it impossible for the user to operate the operation button, or may cause the spatial display device 80 to hide the operation panel image 8. In this way, the control device 9 can prevent the user from accidentally operating the operation button and thereby performing a function that the user does not want.

[0072] The occurrence of a predetermined event may be a case where an operation of an operation unit that is not directly operated by the user's hands is detected among the operation units provided in the medical diagnostic device 10. The operation units that are not directly operated by the user's hands include, for example, at least an operation unit that accepts operation by the user's feet, an operation unit that accepts operation by the user's gestures, and an operation unit that accepts operation by the user's voice.

[0073] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, a medical diagnostic device 10 that displays an operation panel image 8 on a tray table 3 has been described. However, there are cases where a user wants to display the operation panel at a position that is easier to operate than the tray table during treatment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a medical diagnostic device that allows the position at which the operation panel image 8 is displayed to be changed will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the medical diagnostic device 10 described in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0074] In the medical diagnostic equipment according to the second embodiment, a spatial display device 80 is provided not only on the tray table 3 but also on the lighting device 7 and the examination chair 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel image 8 displayed on the lighting device 7. The lighting device 7 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a spatial display device 80 and an imaging device 90. In FIG. 8(a), the spatial display device 80 is provided below the lighting device 7, so the operation panel image 8 is displayed below the lighting device 7. In FIG. 8(b), the spatial display device 80 is provided above the lighting device 7, so the operation panel image 8 is displayed above the lighting device 7. In the lighting device 7 shown in FIG. 8, the imaging device 90 provided near the spatial display device 80 monitors the user's line of sight, and displays the operation panel image 8 when it is determined that the user's line of sight is directed toward the lighting device 7. Here, the imaging device 90 operates as a line-of-sight detection unit that detects the user's line of sight. Although not shown, the spatial display device 80 is provided with a sensor that can detect user operations on the operation panel image 8. In addition, the types of operation buttons included in the operation panel image 8 displayed on the lighting device 7 are not the same as the types of operation buttons included in the operation panel image 8 displayed on the tray table 3, but are limited to the operation buttons required for the lighting device 7.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel image 8 displayed on the treatment chair 1. The treatment chair 1 shown in FIG. 9 has a spatial display device 80 and an imaging device 90 provided on the backrest 1b. In FIG. 9, the spatial display devices 80 are provided on both sides of the backrest 1b, with the headrest 1a sandwiched between them, and the operation panel image 8 is displayed on each side. The imaging device 90 is provided on one side, but it may be provided on both sides. The spatial display device 80 may also be configured to be provided on either side of the backrest 1b. In the treatment chair 1 shown in FIG. 9, the imaging device 90 provided near the spatial display device 80 monitors the user's line of sight, and displays the operation panel image 8 when it is determined that the user's line of sight is directed toward the backrest 1b. In other words, when the user is examining the oral cavity of a patient at the headrest 1a, the operation panel image 8 on the backrest 1b is not displayed, but when the user directs their gaze from the patient's oral cavity toward the backrest 1b, the operation panel image 8 on the backrest 1b is displayed. Although not shown, the spatial display device 80 is provided with a sensor that can detect user operations on the operation panel image 8. In addition, the types of operation buttons included in the operation panel image 8 displayed on the treatment chair 1 are not the same as the types of operation buttons included in the operation panel image 8 displayed on the tray table 3, but are limited to the operation buttons necessary for the treatment chair 1.

[0076] In the medical diagnostic equipment 10 according to the second embodiment, although not shown, the tray table 3 is also provided with a spatial display device 80 and an imaging device 90. Therefore, the tray table 3 monitors the user's line of sight with the imaging device 90 provided near the spatial display device 80, and displays the operation panel image 8 when it is determined that the user's line of sight is directed in the direction of the tray table 3.

[0077] Next, a process in which the control device 9 switches the spatial display devices 80 provided at multiple positions on the medical and diagnostic equipment 10 to display the operation panel image 8 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the process of switching the display position of the medical and diagnostic equipment 10. First, the control device 9 determines whether or not any one of the spatial display devices 80 provided at multiple positions on the medical and diagnostic equipment 10 is currently displaying the operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space (step S31). If the operation panel image 8 is not currently being displayed in the predetermined space (NO in step S31), the control device 9 returns the process to step S31. On the other hand, if the operation panel image 8 is currently being displayed in the predetermined space (YES in step S31), the control device 9 determines whether or not the medical and diagnostic equipment 10 is in operation (step S32). If the medical and diagnostic equipment 10 is not currently in operation (NO in step S32), the control device 9 returns the process to step S31.

[0078] If the medical diagnostic device 10 is in operation (YES in step S32), the control device 9 determines whether or not it is necessary to prohibit operation of the operation buttons displayed on the operation panel image 8 according to the operating status of the medical diagnostic device 10 (step S33). In the medical diagnostic device 10, for example, when a user is operating the foot controller 5 to drive the diagnostic instrument 4, which is a high-speed handpiece, it is necessary to prohibit the user from accidentally operating the operation buttons and moving the diagnostic chair 1. Therefore, if it is determined that it is necessary to prohibit operation of the operation buttons (YES in step S33), the control device 9 executes a sensor disable process to prevent the sensor 83 from accidentally detecting user operation (step S34).

[0079] After executing the sensor disable process in step S34, the control device 9 displays an indication of operation prohibition as the operation panel image 8 to notify the user of information that operation of the operation button is prohibited (step S35). For example, as in the operation panel image 8 shown in Fig. 6, the words "Not available" are displayed, indicating that operation of the operation button is not possible.

[0080] Returning to step S3, if it is determined that there is no need to prohibit operation of the operation buttons (NO in step S33), the control device 9 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the display position of the operation panel image 8 (step S36). If there is no need to change the display position of the operation panel image 8 (NO in step S36), the control device 9 returns the process to step S31. On the other hand, if it is necessary to change the display position of the operation panel image 8 (YES in step S36), the control device 9 changes the display position of the operation panel image 8 displayed in the predetermined space (step S37).

[0081] As described above, if the medical examination equipment 10 is provided with, for example, the treatment chair 1, the tray table 3, and the lighting device 7, respectively, a spatial display device 80 and an imaging device 90, the imaging device 90 detects the user's line of sight, and the spatial display device 80 provided in the device at which the user's line of sight is directed displays the operation panel image 8. Therefore, in step S36, the control device 9 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the display position of the operation panel image 8 based on the signal from the imaging device 90 provided in each device.

[0082] The necessity to change the display position of the operation panel image 8 is not limited to the direction of the user's line of sight, and may be determined based on the operating status of the medical examination device 10, the user's operation, etc. For example, when the examination chair 1 is in operation, the control device 9 switches the display of the operation panel image 8 from the tray table 3 to the backrest 1b shown in Fig. 9 so that the operation panel image 8 can be operated near the patient. In addition, when switching the display position of the operation panel image 8 in accordance with a user's instruction, for example, the control device 9 switches the display position of the operation panel image 8 when the display switching button on the foot controller 5 is operated.

[0083] In this way, the control device 9 that controls the medical diagnostic equipment 10 according to the second embodiment prohibits the sensor 83 from detecting user operations according to the operating status of the medical diagnostic equipment 10, and causes the spatial display device 80 to display the operation panel image 8 in a display mode that prevents the user from operating the operation buttons, or causes the spatial display device 80 to hide the operation panel image 8. This prevents the user from accidentally performing operations that are prohibited according to the operating status of the medical diagnostic equipment 10.

[0084] The predetermined spaces are provided at a plurality of positions on the medical and diagnostic equipment 10, and the control device 9 may change the position of the operation panel image 8 displayed by the spatial display device 80 according to the operating status of the medical and diagnostic equipment 10. This allows the operation buttons required for the user to operate to be displayed at appropriate positions according to the operating status of the medical and diagnostic equipment 10.

[0085] The device may further include an imaging device 90 that detects the direction of the user's line of sight, and when the imaging device 90 determines that the user's line of sight is directed toward a predetermined space, the control device 9 may display the operation panel image 8 in the predetermined space using the spatial display device 80. This allows the operation panel image 8 to be displayed in the direction of the user's line of sight.

[0086] In the medical diagnostic equipment 10 according to the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the display is switched from the operation panel image 8 of the tray table 3 to the operation panel image 8 of the backrest 1b, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control device 9 may always display the operation panel image 8 of the tray table 3, and switch to display the operation panel images 8 of other devices as needed. Of course, the medical diagnostic equipment 10 may also be configured so that the spatial display devices 80 provided in each device always display the operation panel image 8.

[0087] (Variation) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the operation panel image 8 is displayed by the spatial display device 80 in the medical diagnostic equipment 10 including the treatment chair 1, tray table 3, and lighting device 7. However, the medical diagnostic equipment 10 may be provided with a display device such as the monitors 6 and 50. A spatial display device may be applied to this display device. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the display of the monitor. FIG. 11(a) shows the monitor 6 provided on the tray table 3. The configuration of the spatial display device may be applied to this monitor 6, so that the display image 8a is displayed in the space in front of the original display position of the monitor 6. FIG. 11(b) shows the monitor 50 provided on the basin unit 2. The configuration of the spatial display device may be applied to this monitor 50, so that the display image 8b is displayed in the space in front of the original display position of the monitor 50.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the medical diagnostic equipment 10 includes the treatment chair 1, the tray table 3, the basin unit 2, the lighting device 7, and the like. However, the medical diagnostic equipment 10 is not limited to this. For example, the configuration of a spatial display device may be applied to the operation panel of a medical diagnostic equipment such as an X-ray CT scanner or a laser treatment device. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the display of an operation panel image of another medical diagnostic equipment. The medical diagnostic equipment shown in FIG. 12 is an X-ray CT scanner 200. In the X-ray CT scanner 200, the configuration of a spatial display device is applied to the operation unit to display an operation panel image 8c in a space closer to the intended display position. Furthermore, FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the display of an operation panel image of yet another medical diagnostic equipment. The medical diagnostic equipment shown in FIG. 13 is a laser treatment device 300. In the laser treatment device 300, the configuration of a spatial display device is applied to the operation unit to display an operation panel image 8d in a space closer to the intended display position.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, a spatial display device 80 that displays an operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space using a mirror array imaging element has been described, and it has been described that the spatial display device 80 is configured to include a display unit 81 and an imaging plate 82. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spatial display device 80 may be a display device of another type as long as it is a three-dimensional display device that displays the operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space. Other types include, for example, a method of displaying the operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space using a lens array in which many microlenses are arranged, a method of displaying the operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space using a parallax image, a method of displaying the operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space using light reproduction such as integral photography, and a method of displaying the operation panel image 8 in a predetermined space by arranging light points three-dimensionally through scanning.

[0090] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Treatment chair, 2 Basin unit, 3 Tray table, 4 Treatment instrument, 5 Foot controller, 9 Control device, 10 Medical treatment equipment, 11 Seat drive unit, 12 Operation unit, 13 Panel control unit, 14 Treatment instrument drive unit, 15 Monitor control unit, 16 Basin control unit, 17 Lighting control unit, 18 Hold release identification unit, 19 Warning sound output unit, 20 Speaker, 30 Instrument holder.

Claims

1. A dental treatment device, A treatment chair that allows patients to sit and lie on their backs when receiving treatment from the surgeon, a monitor that displays a predetermined image and is mounted in a position that can be seen from the surrounding area; Tray table and A spatial display device including a display unit that displays an image including at least an operation button for operating the intraoral camera, and an image forming plate that forms an image of the image displayed on the display unit in a predetermined space on the tray table; a detection unit that detects a user's operation on the predetermined space where the image is displayed; a control unit that displays an image of the oral cavity captured by the intraoral camera on the monitor as the predetermined image when the detection unit detects that the operation button on the image formed in the predetermined space has been operated, The spatial display device is a dental treatment device that forms the image in the specified space located on the top surface of the tray table and at a position on the end side where the surgeon is located, while the surgeon is standing above the top surface of the tray table as seen from his / her position.

2. Further provided with a foot controller, The dental diagnostic equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the spatial display device to display the image in the predetermined space when the foot controller is operated.

3. The dental diagnostic device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes a display mode depending on whether the foot controller is operated or not, and causes the spatial display device to display the image.

4. The control unit, when the foot controller is operated but the user does not operate the operation button within a predetermined time, prohibits the detection unit from detecting the user's operation, and causes the spatial display device to display the image in a display mode in which the user cannot operate the operation button, or causes the spatial display device to hide the image. Dental treatment equipment according to any one of claims 2 or 3.

5. The control unit prohibits the detection unit from detecting user operation depending on the operating status of the dental treatment equipment, and displays the image on the spatial display device in a display mode in which the user cannot operate the operation button, or hides the image on the spatial display device. Dental treatment equipment described in any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The predetermined spaces are provided at a plurality of positions on the dental treatment equipment, The control unit changes the position of the image of the operation button displayed by the spatial display device depending on the operating status of the dental treatment device. Dental treatment device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The dental diagnostic equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display unit and the image forming plate are provided on an end side inside the tray table.

8. the display unit is provided facing the bottom surface of the tray table, The dental diagnostic equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the imaging plate is positioned at a position rotated by a predetermined angle relative to the display unit so that the image can be formed in the predetermined space.

9. The dental diagnostic equipment according to claim 8 , wherein the image forming plate is in contact with the display unit and is provided at a position rotated by the predetermined angle around the contacting side as an axis.

Images