Imaging device and imaging system

Abstract

The present invention provides an image capturing device for providing an image capturing device (200) and an image capturing system (1) better suited to capturing images in the oral cavity, the image capturing device including: a main body formed into an approximately columnar shape having a prescribed length between a base end and a leading end thereof, the main body being configured such that the longitudinal direction of the main body follows the direction in which the main body is inserted into the oral cavity; a grip to be grasped by a user, the grip being configured to be disposed on the same line as the main body on the base end side of the main body; a camera for capturing a subject image on the basis of reflected light that is radiated from a light source and reflected by the oral cavity, the camera being configured to be disposed on the same line as the main body either inside the main body or closer to the base end than the main body; and a display for displaying the subject image captured by the camera, the display being configured to be disposed on the same line as the main body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device and an imaging system for imaging the inside of a subject's mouth. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been known for some time that doctors diagnose illnesses such as viral colds by observing changes in the oral cavity of a patient. Patent Document 1 describes an intraoral photography system capable of taking photographs of the oral cavity. In such an intraoral photography system, a light / camera subunit containing a camera is moved forward in the oral cavity by operating a handle located around the camera, thereby capturing images of specific areas within the oral cavity. The captured photographs are output to a monitor provided separately from the light / camera subunit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2018-175722 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, in consideration of the above-described techniques, an object of the present disclosure is to provide, through various embodiments, an imaging device and an imaging system that are more suitable for imaging the intraoral cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device including: a main body having a base end and a tip end, the main body being formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a predetermined length between the base end and the tip end, the main body being configured so that at least the tip end can be inserted into the oral cavity and the longitudinal direction of the main body is aligned with the direction of insertion into the oral cavity; one or more light sources being arranged on the base end side of the main body or inside the main body to irradiate light of a predetermined frequency band toward the oral cavity; a grip being formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body on the base end side of the main body and arranged in a straight line with the main body so as to be held by a user; a camera being arranged on the base end side of the main body or inside the main body in a straight line with the main body to capture an image of a subject based on light irradiated from the light source and reflected on the oral cavity; and a display being arranged in a straight line with the main body on the opposite side of the grip from the oral cavity and arranged in a straight line with the main body to display the image of the subject captured by the camera.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging system including "the imaging device described above and a processing device communicatively connected to the imaging device via wired or wireless communication and configured to process subject images captured by the imaging device." [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an imaging device and an imaging system that are more suitable for intraoral imaging.

[0008] It should be noted that the above effects are merely illustrative for the sake of convenience and are not limiting. In addition to or instead of the above effects, any effect described in this disclosure or an effect obvious to a person skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which an imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a top view showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view showing the configuration of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a front view showing the configuration of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a bottom view showing the configuration of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing the configuration of an assisting device 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a side view showing the configuration of an assisting device 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the imaging device 200 and the assisting tool 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are used. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of an imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the display 203 of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a placement state of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a top view showing a configuration of a mounting table 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the mounting table 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which common elements are designated by the same reference numerals. First Embodiment 1. Overview of Imaging System 1 The imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure is primarily used to capture images of the inside of a subject's oral cavity to obtain a subject image. In particular, the imaging system 1 is used to capture images of the back of the throat and surrounding area of ​​the oral cavity, specifically the pharynx. Therefore, the following description will primarily focus on the case where the imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure is used to capture images of the pharynx. However, the pharynx is only one example of an imaging region, and the imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure can naturally be suitably used for other regions within the oral cavity.

[0011] The imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure is used, for example, to output a subject image obtained by capturing an image of the oral pharynx. Therefore, the following describes a case in which the imaging system 1 is used to output a subject image of the pharynx. Naturally, the imaging system 1 is not limited to simply outputting a subject image; it can also be used, for example, to capture an image of the oral pharynx to determine the possibility of a subject contracting influenza. Determining the possibility of contracting influenza is just one example, and the imaging system 1 can be suitably used to determine any disease in which the presence of the disease results in differences in intraoral findings. Examples of such diseases include streptococcal infection, adenovirus infection, EB virus infection, mycoplasma infection, and hypertension.

[0012] In this disclosure, terms such as "determination" and "diagnosis" are used in relation to diseases, but these do not necessarily mean a definitive determination or diagnosis by a doctor. For example, it can also include the case where the imaging system 1 of the present disclosure is used by the subject himself / herself, or by a user other than a doctor, and the imaging system 1 is used to determine or diagnose the disease by the processing device 100 included in the imaging system 1, or to assist a doctor in making a definitive determination or diagnosis.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a usage state of an imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a usage state of an imaging device 200 of the imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure. According to FIG. 1, a user inserts the imaging device 200 into the inside of the auxiliary device 300 so that the imaging device 200 is covered by the auxiliary device 300, and then inserts the imaging device 200 inserted in the auxiliary device 300 into the oral cavity 712 of a subject. Thus, the imaging device 200 is used to image the inside of the oral cavity 712. Specifically, first, the imaging device 200 is inserted into the auxiliary device 300 from the tip by a user (which may be the subject 700 himself / herself or a person different from the subject 700). Then, the imaging device 200 is inserted into the oral cavity 712 while being covered by the auxiliary device 300. At this time, the tip of the auxiliary device 300 is inserted past the incisors 711 and up to the vicinity of the soft palate 713. Then, with the auxiliary tool 300 inserted into the oral cavity 712, the imaging device 200 is inserted into the auxiliary tool 300 from the tip. That is, the imaging device 200 is inserted past the incisors 711 and up to the vicinity of the soft palate 713. At this time, the tongue 714 is pushed downward by the auxiliary tool 300 (which functions as a tongue depressor), restricting the movement of the tongue 714. Then, a good field of view of the imaging device 200 is ensured, and the pharynx 715 located in front of the imaging device 200 is imaged.

[0014] The captured subject image (image of the pharynx 715) is transmitted from the imaging device 200 to the processing device 100, which is communicably connected via wire or wirelessly. The processor of the processing device 100 that receives the subject image processes a program stored in the memory of the processing device 100 to determine the possibility of the subject contracting influenza based on the subject image. The result is then output to a display or the like.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a usage state of the imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the imaging device 200 of the imaging system 1 is held by a user 600. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the imaging device 200 is composed of, from the side inserted into the oral cavity, a main body 201, a grip 202, and a display 203. The main body 201 and the grip 202 are formed in a substantially columnar shape of a predetermined length along the insertion direction H into the oral cavity. The display 203 is disposed on the opposite side of the grip 202 from the main body 201 side. Therefore, the imaging device 200 is formed in a substantially columnar shape as a whole, and is held by the user 600 by holding it in the same manner as holding a pencil, as illustrated in FIG. 2 . In other words, since the display panel of the display 203 faces the user 600 in the usage state, the imaging device 200 can be easily handled while checking the subject image captured by the imaging device 200 in real time.

[0016] Furthermore, when the user 600 holds the grip 202 in an orientation in which the subject image is displayed in the normal orientation on the display 203, the image capture button 220 is configured to be located on the upper surface of the grip. Therefore, when the user 600 holds the grip, the user 600 can easily press the image capture button 220 with the index finger or the like.

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

[0018] 2. Configuration of imaging system 1 Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram 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 and an imaging device 200 communicably connected to the processing device 100 via wired or wireless communication. The processing device 100 receives an operation input from a user and controls imaging by the imaging device 200. The processing device 100 also processes a subject image captured by the imaging device 200 and outputs the processed image to a user, a subject, or the like.

[0019] At least the tip of the imaging device 200 is inserted into the oral cavity of a subject to image the inside of the oral cavity, particularly the pharynx. Specific imaging processing will be described later. The captured subject image is transmitted to the processing device 100 via a wired cable or wireless communication.

[0020] The imaging system 1 may further include a mounting table 400 as necessary. The mounting table 400 is capable of stably mounting the imaging device 200. The mounting table 400 may be connected to a power source via a wired cable, thereby enabling power to be supplied to the imaging device 200 from a power supply terminal of the mounting table 400 through a power supply port of the imaging device 200.

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

[0022] The processor 111 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the imaging system 1 based on a program stored in the memory 112. Based on the program stored in the memory 112, the processor 111 controls the operation of the camera 211 and the light source 212, stores subject images received from the imaging device 200 in the memory 112, and processes the stored subject images. Specifically, the processor 111 receives instructions input by a user to the input interface 113, and executes the following processes based on the program stored in the memory 112: a process of turning on the light source 212 and instructing the camera 211 to capture an image; a process of extracting a still image from the captured image to be used for determining the likelihood of a disease; a process of determining the likelihood of a disease by performing a predetermined process on the extracted image; and a process of outputting the captured image and the determination result to a display 114 or the like. The processor 111 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may also be combined with a GPU or the like as appropriate.

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

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

[0025] The input interface 113 functions as an input unit that accepts user input instructions for the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200. Examples of the input interface 113 include a "record button" for instructing the imaging device 200 to start or stop recording, a "confirm button" for making various selections, a "back / cancel button" for returning to the previous screen or canceling an input confirmation operation, a cross key button for moving icons displayed on the display 114, an on / off key for turning the processing device 100 on and off, and the like. Note that these various buttons and keys may be physically provided as the various buttons described above, or may be displayed as icons on the display 114 and selectable using the input interface 113, such as a mouse or keyboard. Although not specifically shown, the input interface 113 may also use a touch panel that is superimposed on the display 114 and has an input coordinate system corresponding to the display coordinate system of the display 114. The method for detecting user input instructions using the touch panel may be any method, such as a capacitance type or a resistive film type. It should be noted that the operation input to the imaging device 200 does not necessarily have to be performed via the input interface 113 of the processing device 100. It is also possible to perform the operation input via an input interface provided in the imaging device 200.

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

[0027] The communication interface 115 functions as a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the imaging device 200 and / or other devices. Examples of the information to be transmitted and received include various commands that instruct the imaging device 200 to start imaging, stop imaging, transfer subject images, etc., and subject images received from the imaging device 200. Examples of such communication interfaces 115 include various wired communication terminals, such as a serial communication terminal such as a USB or a parallel communication terminal such as IEEE1284. In addition to or instead of such wired communication terminals, it is also possible to provide a wireless communication interface that employs a wideband wireless communication method such as the LTE method, or a narrowband wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11 or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0028] The camera 211 is driven by instructions from the processing device 100 and functions as an imaging unit that detects light reflected from the oral cavity, which is the subject, and generates an image of the subject. To detect the light, the camera 211 includes, for example, a CMOS image sensor, a lens system, and a drive system for achieving desired functions. 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 specifically shown, the camera 211 may have an autofocus function, and is preferably set so that the focus is set on a specific area, for example, on the front of the lens. Furthermore, the camera 211 may have a zoom function and is preferably set so that the camera 211 captures an image at an appropriate magnification depending on the size of the pharynx or influenza follicles.

[0029] It is known that lymph follicles appearing in the deepest part of the pharynx located in the oral cavity have a pattern specific to influenza. Lymph follicles with this specific pattern are called influenza follicles and are a characteristic sign of influenza, appearing approximately two hours after the onset of symptoms. As described above, the imaging system 1 of this embodiment can also be used to determine the possibility of a subject having influenza by, for example, imaging the pharynx of the oral cavity and detecting the follicles. That is, in this embodiment, the camera 211 is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject and used to image the pharynx located at the back of the oral cavity, so the distance between the camera 211 and the subject is relatively short. Therefore, the camera 211 has an angle of view (2θ) such that the value calculated by [(distance from the tip of the camera 211 to the posterior pharyngeal wall) * tanθ] is 20 mm or more vertically and 40 mm or more horizontally. Using a camera with such an angle of view enables imaging of a wider range even when the camera 211 and the subject are close to each other. Therefore, the camera 211 can be a normal camera, or a so-called wide-angle camera or an ultra-wide-angle camera.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main subject captured by camera 211 is the pharynx and influenza follicles formed in the pharynx. Because the pharynx is generally formed deep in the depth direction, if the depth of field is shallow, the focus will shift between the anterior and posterior pharynx, making it difficult to obtain a subject image suitable for use in determination by processing device 100. Therefore, camera 211 has a depth of field of at least 20 mm or more, preferably 30 mm or more. Using a camera with such a depth of field makes it possible to obtain a subject image that is in focus at all parts from the anterior pharynx to the posterior pharynx.

[0031] The light source 212 is driven by instructions from the processing device 100 or the imaging device 200 and functions as a light source unit for irradiating light into the oral cavity. The light source 212 includes one or more light sources. In this embodiment, the light source 212 is composed of one or more LEDs, and each LED irradiates light having a predetermined frequency band toward the oral cavity. The light source 212 uses light having a desired band selected from the ultraviolet light band, the visible light band, and the infrared light band, or a combination thereof. Note that when the processing device 100 determines the likelihood of a disease such as influenza, it is preferable to use light in the short wavelength band of the ultraviolet light band. When influenza follicles are irradiated with light in this band, specific components of the influenza follicles react, which may make it possible to more reliably determine the likelihood of a disease.

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

[0033] The memory 214 is composed of RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The memory 214 stores instructions and commands for various controls of the imaging device 200 as programs. In addition to the programs, the memory 214 also stores subject images captured by the camera 211, various information about subjects including the subject 700, and the like.

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

[0035] The input interface 210 functions as an input unit that accepts user input instructions for the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200. Examples of the input interface 210 include a "record button" for instructing the imaging device 200 to start or stop recording, a "power button" for turning the imaging device 200 on or off, a "confirm button" for making various selections, a "back / cancel button" for returning to the previous screen or canceling an input confirmation operation, and a cross key button for moving icons displayed on the display 114. Note that these various buttons and keys may be physically provided, or may be displayed as icons on the display 215 and be selectable using a touch panel or the like superimposed on the display 215 and arranged as the input interface 210. The method for detecting user input instructions via the touch panel may be any method, such as a capacitance type or a resistive film type.

[0036] The communication interface 216 functions as a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the imaging device 200 and / or other devices. Examples of the information to be transmitted and received include various commands that instruct the imaging device 200 to start imaging, stop imaging, transfer subject images, etc., received from the imaging device 200, information about the subject, and subject images transmitted to the imaging device 200. Such a communication interface 115 is provided in correspondence with the communication interface of the processing device 100, and examples include various wired communication terminals such as a serial communication terminal such as a USB or a parallel communication terminal such as IEEE1284. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of such wired communication terminals, a wireless communication interface that employs a wideband wireless communication method such as the LTE method, a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11, or a narrowband wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) can also be provided.

[0037] 3. Configuration of the imaging device 200 An imaging system 1 according to the present disclosure includes an imaging device 200 that captures an image to be processed by a processing device 100. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Fig. 5, the imaging device 200 includes a main body 201 that houses a camera 211 on its inner surface and is capable of guiding light emitted from a light source 212 into the interior thereof, a grip 202 that is connected to the base end of the main body 201 and is held by a user, a diffusion plate 219 that is arranged at the tip of the main body 201, and a display 203 that is connected to the base end of the grip 202 and is capable of outputting a subject image captured by the camera 211.

[0038] Also provided on the top surface of the grip 202 are an imaging button 220 that the user 600 presses with his / her finger to instruct the start and end of imaging of a subject, and a power button 221 that instructs the power on and off of the imaging device 200. In other words, the start and end of imaging by the imaging device 200 and the power on and off may be controlled in response to an instruction from the processing device 100, or in response to the pressing of these buttons on the imaging device 200.

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

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

[0041] The main body 201 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylindrical column with a perfectly circular cross section. The wall 224 may be made of any material capable of guiding light therein, and one example is a thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyolefin resins such as linear polyolefin resins (e.g., polypropylene resins) and cyclic polyolefin resins (e.g., norbornene resins), cellulose ester resins such as triacetyl cellulose and diacetyl cellulose, polyester resins, polycarbonate resins, (meth)acrylic resins, polystyrene resins, or mixtures or copolymers thereof. In other words, the wall 224 of the main body 201 functions as a light guide for guiding light emitted from a light source into the oral cavity or toward a diffuser.

[0042] Since main body 201 is formed hollow, wall portion 224 forms storage space 223 on its inner surface. Camera 211 is stored in this storage space 223. Note that main body 201 only needs to be formed in a columnar shape having storage space 223. Therefore, storage space 223 does not need to have a cylindrical shape with a perfect circular cross section, and may have an elliptical or polygonal cross section. Furthermore, main body 201 does not necessarily need to be formed hollow inside.

[0043] Here, the length of the main body 201 is determined, for example, based on its position relative to the subject's incisors. Generally, a subject forms an oral cavity extending from the incisors toward the back of the throat, with the pharynx, which serves as the subject's subject, located at the deepest part of the oral cavity. Therefore, in order to image the pharynx, the tip of the imaging device 200 must be inserted to the vicinity of the soft palate. The subject has a distance d1 from the incisors to the soft palate. According to "Measurement of the Upper Airway Inner Diameter in Sleep Apnea Syndrome (Nobuo Otani)," J. Jpn. Bronchoesophagol. Soc. (J. Jpn. Bronchoesophagol. Soc.), Vol. 40, No. 5, pp. 396-402, this distance d1 is generally approximately 70-100 mm to 200-100 mm.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 6A again, in this embodiment, main body 201 has a distance D1 as the length from tip 222 to base end 225. This distance D1 is preferably 0% to 90% or less, and more preferably 5% to 80% or less, of the distance d1 from the incisor to the soft palate. Generally, when a foreign object is inserted deep in the throat, a nauseous feeling is evoked, but if main body 201 is short, the distance between camera 211 and the subject becomes too great. The above distance D1 can prevent the nausea while also making it possible to maintain an appropriate distance from the subject.

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

[0046] Here, the width (distance D2) of main body 201 in a direction perpendicular to the direction connecting tip 222 and base end 225 of main body 201 is determined, for example, in relation to the width of the mouth opening in the vertical direction of the subject. The subject has distance d2 as the width of the mouth opening in the vertical direction. According to "Statistical Study on the Maximum Mouth Opening Amount in Healthy Japanese Adults with Temporomandibular Joints (Tsukahara Hiroyasu et al.)," Journal of the Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 159-167, distance d2 is 3.5 cm to 4.0 cm on average for a typical adult male.

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

[0048] The grip 202 has a connecting portion 230 formed at a position closest to the base end 225 of the main body 201, and is connected to the main body 201 via the connecting portion 230. The outer periphery of the connecting portion 230 has engagement protrusions 217 (217-1 to 217-4) for positioning the assisting tool 300 and a positioning protrusion 218. The engagement protrusions 217 engage with engagement protrusions 318 (318-1 to 318-4) provided on the assisting tool 300. The positioning protrusions 218 are inserted into insertion holes 321 provided on the assisting tool 300 to position the imaging device 200 and the assisting tool 300 relative to each other. In this embodiment, the engagement protrusions 217 of the main body 201 are a total of four engagement protrusions (engagement protrusions 217-1 to 217-4) that are arranged at equal intervals on the surface of the grip 202 in the vicinity of the base end 225 of the main body 201. Furthermore, one positioning protrusion 218 is disposed between the engaging protrusions 217 on the surface of the grip 202, in a position near the base end 225 of the main body 201. However, this is not limiting, and it is also possible to dispose only one of the engaging protrusion 217 and the positioning protrusion 218. Furthermore, the number of both the engaging protrusion 217 and the positioning protrusion 218 may be any number, as long as there is one or more.

[0049] The grip 202 also includes an imaging button 220 on its top surface near the base end 225 of the main body 201, i.e., near the tip of the grip 202 in the insertion direction H into the oral cavity. This allows the user 600 to easily press the imaging button 220 with the index finger or the like when holding the grip 202. The grip 202 also has a power button 221 located on its top surface near the display 203, i.e., on the opposite side of the grip 202 from the imaging button 220. This makes it possible to prevent the user 600 from accidentally pressing the power button 221 when holding the grip 202 and taking an image.

[0050] The display 203 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and is disposed on the same straight line as the main body 201 in the direction H. The display 203 also includes a display panel on the surface opposite to the direction H of insertion into the oral cavity (i.e., toward the user). Therefore, the display 203 is formed so that the surface including the display panel is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 201 and the grip 202, which are formed to be generally parallel to the direction H of insertion into the oral cavity. The surface opposite to the surface including the display panel is connected to the grip 202 on the side opposite to the oral cavity of the grip 202. The shape of the display is not limited to a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be any shape, such as a cylindrical shape.

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

[0052] The diffusion plate 219 is disposed at the tip 222 of the main body 201, and diffuses light that is emitted from the light source 212 and passes through the main body 201 toward the oral cavity. The diffusion plate 219 has a shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the main body 201 that is configured to be able to guide light. In this embodiment, the main body 201 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. Therefore, the cross section of the diffusion plate 219 is also formed in a hollow shape that corresponds to that shape.

[0053] The camera 211 is used to generate an image of a subject by detecting light that is diffused by the diffuser 219 and irradiated into the oral cavity and reflected by the subject. The camera 211 is disposed on the inner surface of the wall 224 of the main body 201, i.e., in a storage space 223 formed inside the main body 201, so as to be collinear with the main body 201 in the direction H. Although only one camera 211 is described in this embodiment, the imaging device 200 may include multiple cameras. By generating an image of a subject using multiple cameras, the image of the subject includes information about the three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, although the camera 211 is disposed in the storage space 223 of the main body 201 in this embodiment, it may also be disposed at the tip 222 of the main body 201 or on the main body 201 (either inside the main body 201 or on the outer periphery of the main body 201).

[0054] 6B, in a side view, main body 201, grip 202, display 203, and camera 211 are arranged on the same straight line along direction H of insertion into the oral cavity. Also, as described in FIG. 6A, image capture button 220 and power button 221 are each arranged on a surface that becomes the upper surface when image capture device 200 is placed horizontally with the subject image displayed on display 203 in the normal orientation.

[0055] The grip 202 accommodates a battery that serves as a power source for driving each element of the imaging device 200. Specifically, the grip 202 has an accommodation space 232 therein for accommodating the battery, and the battery can be accommodated in the accommodation space 232. Here, the imaging device 200 has a central axis C1 along the longitudinal direction of the body 201, which is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape (i.e., the direction H of insertion into the oral cavity). It is desirable that the battery accommodation space 232 be formed so that at least a part or all of it is located below the central axis C1 when the imaging device 200 is placed horizontally with a subject image displayed on the display 203 in a normal orientation. In this way, by positioning the accommodation space 232 below the central axis C1 of the body 201, it is possible to accommodate a battery with a considerable weight below the central axis C1. In this way, when a user grips the grip 202 of the imaging device 200, the center of gravity is located below, allowing for more stable operation.

[0056] 6C, in a front view from the tip 222 side of the main body 201, the grip 202 and the display 203 are arranged on a line along the central axis C1 of the main body 201 (on a line in the depth direction in FIG. 6C). Also, inside the main body 201, a camera 211 is arranged on the line along the central axis C1, and is capable of detecting reflected light from a subject that enters from the tip of the main body 201.

[0057] Furthermore, main body 201 is formed into a hollow columnar shape with its longitudinal direction formed by wall portion 224 in the direction of insertion into the oral cavity (the depth direction in FIG. 6C ), and diffuser plate 219 is provided at the tip of wall portion 224. Meanwhile, light source 212 is provided at the rear end of wall portion 224 (that is, on the side of base end 225 of main body 201), and is formed so that light emitted from light source 212 passes through wall portion 224 and is irradiated into the oral cavity by diffuser plate 219.

[0058] Grip 202 is connected to base end 225 (not shown) of main body 201 via connecting portion 230. Connecting portion 230 is formed in a cylindrical shape similar to main body 201 so as to fit along the outer periphery of main body 201, which has a cylindrical cross section. Four engaging protrusions 217-1 to 217-4 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer periphery of connecting portion 230, and one positioning protrusion 218 is also arranged. Note that although FIG. 6C shows four engaging protrusions and one positioning protrusion, other numbers may be used.

[0059] When viewed from the front from the tip 222 side of the main body 201, an accommodation space 232 is provided in the grip 202 so that at least a part or all of it is below the central axis C1 of the main body 201, and the accommodation space 232 accommodates a battery.

[0060] 6D, input / output terminal 229 and power supply port 228 are arranged on the side that becomes the bottom surface when imaging device 200 is placed horizontally with a subject image displayed in the normal orientation on display 203. In other words, input / output terminal 229 and power supply port 228 are arranged on the same surface around the periphery of display 203. By arranging both on the same surface in this manner, it is possible to prevent power from being supplied from input / output terminal 229, for example, when imaging device 200 is placed on mounting base 400 and power is being supplied via power supply port 228.

[0061] 4. Configuration of the assistive device 300 7A is a perspective view showing the configuration of an auxiliary tool 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The auxiliary tool 300 is an auxiliary tool used for imaging the intraoral cavity of a subject. Therefore, when imaging the intraoral cavity with the imaging device 200, the auxiliary tool 300 is not necessarily required, and may not be used depending on the desires of the user or the subject. At least a portion of the distal end of the imaging device 200 is inserted into the auxiliary tool 300. Therefore, it is preferable that the auxiliary tool 300 be translucent from the viewpoint of ensuring a good field of view without interfering with the imaging device 200.

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

[0063] As shown in FIG. 7A, the assistive device 300 includes a cylindrical main body 312, a pair of gripping plates 311 disposed at a base end 316 of the main body 312, and a tongue depressor 315 disposed near a tip 314 of the main body 312.

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

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 201 of the imaging device 200 has a substantially constant inner diameter and outer diameter from the base end 225 to the tip end 222. Therefore, the main body 312 of the assisting tool 300 is also formed so that its inner diameter and outer diameter are substantially constant along the longitudinal direction in accordance with this shape. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the main body 312 is preferably formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the main body 201 of the imaging device 200, but may be any shape as long as it is insertable, such as a perfect circle, ellipse, polygon, or the like.

[0066] The pair of gripping plates 311 are arranged along the base end 316 of the main body 312. The gripping plates 311 are used by the user to grip with their hands when inserting the assisting tool 300 into the oral cavity of the subject. In this embodiment, when the assisting tool 300 is inserted into the oral cavity, the distal end side of the gripping plates 311 abuts against the lips of the subject, and the gripping plates 311 also function as a restricting member for restricting further insertion of the assisting tool 300. Note that in this embodiment, the pair of gripping plates 311 are arranged symmetrically in the up-down direction on the base end 316 side of the main body 312, but they may be formed in a donut shape along the base end 316 of the main body 312, and any other shape may be used.

[0067] The tongue depressor 315 is disposed at the bottom of the main body 312 (on the tongue side in the oral cavity) and is formed like a blade facing the tongue. When capturing an image with the imaging device 200, the subject's tongue may move in front of the imaging device 200, hindering imaging of the oral cavity. The tongue depressor 315 pushes the tongue downward to restrict movement of the tongue in the oral cavity and prevents the tongue from being positioned in front of the imaging device 200. Therefore, although the tongue depressor 315 is formed like a blade in this embodiment, any shape may be used as long as it can perform this function.

[0068] 7B is a side view showing an outline of the configuration of assistive device 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7B, assistive device 300 includes tongue depressor 315 near tip 314 of main body 312 and gripping plate 311 on the base end 316 side, as described above.

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

[0070] The engagement protrusions 318 are provided at positions corresponding to the engagement protrusions 217 arranged on the grip 202 of the imaging device 200, and protrude in a direction toward the inner surface of the main body 312. Therefore, in this embodiment, four engagement protrusions 318-1 to 318-4 are arranged at positions corresponding to the four engagement protrusions 217-1 to 217-4. Furthermore, the insertion holes 321 are provided at positions corresponding to the positioning protrusions 218 arranged on the grip 202 of the imaging device 200. Therefore, in this embodiment, one insertion hole 321 is arranged at a position corresponding to one positioning protrusion 218.

[0071] 5. Usage state of the imaging device 200 and the assisting tool 300 8 is a schematic diagram showing a usage state of the imaging device 200 and the auxiliary tool 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, each mechanism disposed at the base end 316 of the main body 312 of FIG. 7B will be described with reference to FIG. 8. First, when the imaging device 200 is inserted into the base end 316 of the auxiliary tool 300 and reaches the vicinity of the tip 314, an engagement protrusion 217 formed to protrude outward from the grip 202 of the imaging device 200 comes into contact with an engagement protrusion 318 formed toward the inner surface of the main body 312 of the auxiliary tool 300. Here, in this embodiment, the engagement protrusions 318-1 to 318-4 of the main body 312 are formed on pieces 317-1 to 317-4 formed by pairs 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 while the engagement protrusion 217 of the imaging device 200 and the engagement protrusion 318 of the auxiliary tool 300 are in contact with each other, the piece 317 formed by the pair of grooves 319 is lifted. As a result, the engagement protrusion 217 of the imaging device 200 is further inserted beyond the engagement protrusion 318 of the auxiliary tool 300.

[0072] Next, when the imaging device 200 is inserted past the engaging protrusion 318 of the auxiliary tool 300, the positioning protrusion 218 that protrudes outward on the grip 202 of the imaging device 200 is inserted into the insertion hole 321 of the auxiliary tool 300. Then, the positioning protrusion 218 of the imaging device 200 abuts against the wall surface of the insertion hole 321 formed on the tip 314 side. This prevents the imaging device 200 from being inserted further in the direction of the tip 314 of the auxiliary tool 300.

[0073] That is, in this embodiment, when the imaging device 200 is fully inserted into the auxiliary tool 300, 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 movement of the imaging device 200 in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction in which the imaging device 200 is removed, is restricted by the engagement protrusion 217 and the engagement protrusion 318.

[0074] 8 shows a case where the imaging device 200 is placed horizontally on the placement surface 800 with the subject image displayed on the display 203 in the normal orientation. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the main body 201 has a vertical width H1, and the grip 202 has a vertical width H2 that is larger than the width H1. The main body 201 and the grip 202 are configured so that their upper surfaces are flush with each other, and therefore the position of the main body 201 above the placement surface 800 is the difference between the widths H1 and H2. In other words, when the bottom surfaces of the display 203 and the grip 202 are placed so that they abut against the placement surface 800, the tip of the main body 201 does not come into contact with the placement surface 800. This prevents the tip of the main body 201 from becoming contaminated.

[0075] 8, the tongue depressor 315 of the assisting tool 300 is formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the main body 312 by a distance D3. On the other hand, the lower surface of the main body 312 of the tongue depressor is attached to the main body 201 of the imaging device 200, and is attached at a distance D4 from the placement surface 800. In this case, by forming the tongue depressor 315 so that the distance D3 is shorter than the distance D4, it is possible to prevent the tongue depressor 315 from coming into contact with the placement surface 800 and becoming contaminated.

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

[0077] The light sources 212-1 to 212-4 may be configured to be independently controlled. For example, by illuminating some of the light sources 212-1 to 212-4, the shadow of a subject (such as an influenza follicle) having a three-dimensional shape can be included in the subject image. This allows the subject image to include information about the three-dimensional shape of the subject, making it possible to more clearly distinguish the subject and more accurately determine the possibility of influenza infection using a determination algorithm.

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

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

[0080] In this embodiment, the diffusion plate 219 is disposed on the tip 222 side of the main body 201. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the diffusion plate 219 may be disposed anywhere between the light source 212 and the oral cavity to be irradiated therewith, and may be disposed, for example, at the tip 222 of the main body 201 or in the main body 201 (either inside the main body 201 or on the outer periphery of the main body 201).

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

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

[0083] 10, base 227 is configured as a continuous base along the outer periphery of display panel 215. However, as described above, base 227 only needs to be provided at a position facing at least three of the sides of display panel 215. Therefore, base 227 does not necessarily need to be formed as a continuous base, and may be provided only on a portion of each side.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a placement state of the imaging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 11 illustrates a case in which the imaging device 200 is placed on the placement surface 800 so that the main body 201 faces upward and the display 203 faces downward. As described in FIG. 10 , a frame 226 is formed along the periphery of the display panel 215, and a base 227 is further formed along the periphery of the frame 226. The base 227 is formed higher than the surface of the display panel 215 by a height D5. Therefore, when placed on the placement surface 800, the surface of the base 227 comes into contact with the placement surface 800, preventing the display panel 215 from directly contacting the placement surface 800. In other words, the base 227 can prevent damage to the display panel 215.

[0085] 11, the base 227 is formed at a substantially uniform height overall with respect to the four sides that form the user-facing surface of the rectangular parallelepiped display 203. Therefore, when the imaging device 200 is placed on the placement surface 800 with the surface facing downwards, it is possible to stably place the imaging device 200 on the placement surface 800 without using a separate member such as a placement stand.

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

[0087] 12A and 12B, the mounting base 400 has a support base 411 that supports the imaging device 200 from below and constitutes the main body of the mounting base. The support base 411 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape overall, but is not limited to this shape and may have other shapes. The support base 411 has a accommodating hole 412 on its upper surface to mount the imaging device 200 so that the main body 201 of the imaging device 200 faces upward and the display 203 faces downward. The accommodating hole 412 has a sidewall that conforms to the outline of the display 203 of the imaging device 200 (indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 12A ) and is formed to have a predetermined depth. Therefore, when the imaging device 200 is mounted on the mounting base 400, the imaging device 200 is positioned by the sidewall of the accommodating hole 412. Furthermore, the accommodating hole 412 has, on its bottom surface, one or more protrusions 413 having a predetermined height (but lower than the height of the side walls) and one or more linear protrusions 416 also having a predetermined height (but lower than the height of the side walls). The protrusions 413 and linear protrusions 416 are provided at positions corresponding to a base 227 provided on the user side of the display 203, and support the base 227 from below. Therefore, a space is formed between the display panel 215 of the display 203 and the bottom surface of the accommodating hole 412, the space corresponding to the height of the base 227 and the heights of the protrusions 413 and linear protrusions 416. This prevents the display panel 215 from being damaged by the bottom surface of the accommodating hole 412.

[0088] The mounting base 400 has a support stand 414 for supporting the vicinity of the grip 202 of the imaging device 200 from the side when the imaging device 200 is mounted in the accommodation hole 412 so that the main body 201 of the imaging device 200 is at the top and the display 203 is at the bottom. The support stand 414 is disposed above the support base 411 and is formed to have a predetermined length in the height direction. The surface facing the grip 202 is also formed to fit the outer shape of the grip 202. Note that the support stand 414 itself does not need to be in constant contact with and continue to support the vicinity of the grip 202 of the imaging device 200, and may only come into contact when, for example, the imaging device 200 is tilted.

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

[0090] 6D , input / output terminal 229 is arranged on the lower surface of display 203 of imaging device 200, that is, on the same surface on which power feed port 228 is arranged. When imaging device 200 is placed in housing hole 412, power feed port 228 is connected to power feed terminal 415 arranged in an opposing position, but input / output terminal 229 is covered by the surface of power feed unit 417 that faces the lower surface of display 203. Therefore, when power is being supplied via power feed port 228, a wired connection of input / output terminal 229 is not possible, making it possible to prevent conflict with the power supplied via input / output terminal 229.

[0091] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the imaging device 200 and imaging system 1 that are more suitable for imaging the oral cavity. In particular, the main body 201, the grip 202, the display 203, and the camera 211 are arranged on the same straight line as the main body 201 in the direction of insertion into the oral cavity. Therefore, it is possible to provide the operator with good operability.

[0092] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200 are connected to each other wirelessly or via a wired cable so that they can communicate with each other. However, this is not limiting. The subject image captured by the imaging device 200 can be transmitted to a remotely installed server device (e.g., a cloud server device) via wireless communication, and the server device can function as a processing device. Specifically, the server device can determine the likelihood of a disease, or the server device can transmit the image to a remotely installed doctor's terminal device, which can then function as a processing device and make a determination together with the doctor's findings.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the processing device 100 and the imaging device 200 are communicatively connected wirelessly or via a wired cable, and the processing device 100 processes the subject image. However, this is not limiting, and the imaging device 200 itself may have various processing functions for the subject image. For example, the imaging device 200 itself may be equipped with the determination function of the processing device 100 to determine the likelihood of disease. In this case, the processed image may be output to the processing device 100 or another device connected via a wired or wireless connection.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the imaging device 200 and the assisting tool 300 are configured as separate bodies. However, this is not limiting and the two may be configured as an integrated body. For example, the imaging device 200 may be configured so that a tongue depressor for restricting tongue movement within the oral cavity is disposed on the tongue-side surface of the main body 201 so that the imaging device 200 is positioned on the tongue side of the oral cavity. In this way, imaging can be performed without using the assisting tool 300. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. a hollow body having a base end and a tip end, the body being formed in a generally columnar shape with a predetermined length between the base end and the tip end, the body being configured so that at least the tip end can be inserted into the oral cavity and the longitudinal direction is along the direction of insertion into the oral cavity, and the hollow body having a space formed by an inner surface of a wall portion capable of guiding light; One or more light sources configured to be disposed proximal to the main body or inside the main body in order to irradiate light of a predetermined frequency band toward the oral cavity; a grip formed in a substantially columnar shape of a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body on the base end side of the main body so as to be held by a user, and configured to be arranged in the same straight line as the main body; A camera configured to be arranged on the same straight line as the main body, on the proximal side of the main body or inside the main body, in order to capture a subject image based on light irradiated from the light source and reflected by the oral cavity; A display configured to be disposed on the opposite side of the grip from the oral cavity and in the same straight line as the main body in order to display an image of a subject captured by the camera; Including, An imaging device in which light from the light source is guided by the wall portion of the main body itself and irradiated toward the oral cavity.

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 , wherein the predetermined frequency band is an ultraviolet light band.

4. The display includes a display panel for displaying the subject image; a base configured such that at least a portion of the periphery of the display panel protrudes from a surface of the display panel in a direction away from the oral cavity; The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. The display panel is formed in a rectangular shape, The base is configured to face each side of the rectangular display panel. The imaging device according to claim 4 .

6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the base is configured to prevent the display panel from coming into direct contact with a placement surface when the imaging device is placed on the placement surface with the main body facing up and the display facing down.

7. The imaging device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the base is in contact with a mounting surface, so that the imaging device can be placed on the mounting surface with the main body facing up and the display facing down, without using a mounting stand for placing the imaging device.

8. 8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the grip includes an accommodation space therein for accommodating a battery.

9. 9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein when the imaging device is placed horizontally with the subject image displayed on the display in a normal orientation, the storage space is located below a central axis of the main body along the longitudinal direction.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the grip includes an imaging button configured to be located on an upper surface side of the grip when the subject image is displayed on the display in a normal orientation.

11. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least a portion of the imaging device is covered by being inserted into a cylindrical auxiliary tool in a direction connecting the base end and the tip end of the main body.

12. 12. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply port for supplying power to the imaging device from an external source.

13. 13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein when the imaging device is placed on a mounting base whose accommodating surface is shaped to conform to the outer shape of the display, with the main body facing upward and the display facing downward, the power supply port is connected to a power supply terminal of the mounting base, and the power is supplied.

14. the imaging device includes an input / output terminal for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device via a wire; The power supply port and the input / output terminals are arranged on the same surface on the periphery of the display. The imaging device according to claim 12 or 13.

15. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; a processing device communicatively connected to the imaging device via wire or wirelessly and configured to process subject images captured by the imaging device; An imaging system comprising:

Images