Periodontal disease detection system, periodontal disease detection method, and periodontal disease detection program

Abstract

A periodontal disease detection system (1) comprises a periodontal disease determination device (100) and a measurement device. The periodontal disease determination device (100) comprises a position adjustment unit (112) which, in order to cause a user to adjust the position of the measurement device, acquires, from an imaging unit, an image of the measurement device set in the oral cavity by the user and displays the image on a display unit. In addition, the periodontal disease determination device (100) comprises a light emission control unit (113) which transmits, to the measurement device, a light emission control instruction for causing a light source provided in the measurement device to emit light. The periodontal disease determination device (100) further comprises a measurement data acquisition unit (114) which acquires, as measurement data, information regarding the intensity of reflection light acquired by means of the measurement device. Furthermore, the periodontal disease determination device (100) comprises a periodontal disease determination unit (115) which calculates, on the basis of the measurement data, information indicating the severity of the periodontal disease of the user.

Description

Periodontal disease detection system, periodontal disease detection method, and periodontal disease detection program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a periodontal disease detection system, a periodontal disease detection method, and a periodontal disease detection program.

[0002] A method for detecting periodontal disease in the oral cavity based on reflected light from irradiated light has been proposed (Non-Patent Document 1), and a system for detecting periodontal disease in the oral cavity using this method has been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a periodontal disease detection system that uses light irradiation. The periodontal disease detection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 identifies and highlights the state of periodontal disease in the oral cavity based on reflected light from light irradiated into the oral cavity using an intraoral camera equipped with a light source and an image sensor array.

[0003] International Publication No. 2015 / 069704

[0004] Prasanth Chandra Sekhar et al, “Discrimination of periodontal diseases using diffuse reflectance spectral intensity ratios”, Journal of Biomedical Optics 17(2), February 2012, P. 027001-1-P. 027001-9

[0005] In the periodontal disease detection system disclosed in Patent Document 1, an image acquired by an intraoral camera is displayed on a display, and the user positions the intraoral camera based on this image. However, because the shapes of the teeth and gums in the oral cavity are similar in the image acquired by the intraoral camera, it may be difficult for the user to determine the accurate measurement position in the periodontal disease detection system.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the problems associated with the prior art, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a periodontal disease detection system that can accurately determine the position of a periodontal portion that is to be detected for periodontal disease.

[0007] A periodontal disease detection system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a periodontal disease detection system comprising a periodontal disease assessment device and a measuring device, wherein the periodontal disease assessment device comprises an input information acquisition unit that acquires information input by the user regarding the periodontal portion to be measured, a position adjustment unit that acquires an image of the user setting the measuring device in the oral cavity from an imaging unit and displays it on a display unit to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device, a light emission control unit that sends a light emission control instruction to the measuring device to irradiate light from a light source provided in the measuring device, a measurement data acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the intensity of reflected light acquired by the measuring device as measurement data, and a periodontal disease assessment unit that calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data, and the measuring device comprises a light source that irradiates light based on the light emission control instruction from the light emission control unit, and a reflected light acquisition unit that acquires reflected light of the irradiated light.

[0008] A periodontal disease detection method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-implemented periodontal disease detection method which acquires information input by a user regarding the periodontal portion to be measured, acquires an image of the user setting the measuring device in the oral cavity to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device, displays the image on a display unit, sends an emission control instruction to the measuring device to irradiate light from a light source provided in the measuring device, acquires information regarding the intensity of reflected light of light irradiated from the light source as measurement data obtained by a reflected light acquisition unit provided in the measuring device, and calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data.

[0009] A periodontal disease detection program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquiring information input by the user regarding the periodontal portion to be measured; acquiring an image of the user setting the measuring device in the oral cavity to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device; displaying the image on a display unit; sending an emission control instruction to the measuring device to cause the light source provided in the measuring device to irradiate light; acquiring information regarding the intensity of reflected light of light irradiated from the light source as measurement data, acquired by a reflected light acquisition unit provided in the measuring device; and calculating information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a periodontal disease detection system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the periodontal disease detection system according to this embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining a light source and a reflected light acquisition unit according to this embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining the wavelengths of irradiated light and reflected light according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a periodontal disease determination device according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining user information according to this embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for user information according to this embodiment. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for information regarding tooth positions according to this embodiment. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for information regarding gingival regions according to this embodiment. FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for information regarding gingival regions according to this embodiment. FIG. 6E is a diagram for explaining distal and mesial positions in the oral cavity. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the periodontal disease determination device according to this embodiment. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the periodontal disease determination device according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the wavelength of reflected light and diffuse reflection intensity. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the periodontal disease determination device according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the periodontal disease detection system according to this embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to input information acquisition in the periodontal disease detection system according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of position adjustment processing in the periodontal disease detection system according to this embodiment. Fig. 13A is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for user information according to another embodiment. Fig. 13B is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for user information according to another embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Periodontal disease detection system 1) The configuration of a periodontal disease detection system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the periodontal disease detection system 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the periodontal disease detection system 1 includes a user terminal 10 and a measurement device 20.

[0013] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the user terminal 10 and measuring device 20 of the periodontal disease detection system 1 are connected via a communication cable. The measuring device 20 is a device that acquires information about periodontal disease in the user's oral cavity. The measuring device 20 operates in accordance with control from the user terminal 10 and transmits acquired data to the user terminal 10. Note that the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which the user terminal 10 and measuring device 20 are connected via a communication cable, and the user terminal 10 and measuring device 20 may also be capable of communicating with each other via wireless communication. The user terminal 10 also includes a display unit 12 and an imaging unit 14.

[0014] (Configuration of user terminal 10) Next, an example configuration of the periodontal disease detection system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 10 and the measurement device 20 included in the periodontal disease detection system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 includes a periodontal disease assessment device 100, a display unit 12, and an imaging unit 14.

[0016] The periodontal disease assessment device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, and an input / output IF (Interface) 130. The periodontal disease assessment device 100 may also include a communication IF 140. That is, in this embodiment, the periodontal disease assessment device 100 is configured by a general microcomputer that includes the control unit 110, the storage unit 120, and the input / output IF 130.

[0017] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which software is used to realize the multiple information processing functions of the periodontal disease assessment device 100. The periodontal disease assessment device 100 functions as multiple information processing circuits provided in the periodontal disease assessment device 100 by executing a computer program.

[0018] Alternatively, the periodontal disease assessment device 100 may be configured with dedicated hardware for executing each information processing shown in Fig. 4, and the information processing functions may be configured using a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) or the like. Alternatively, a system may be configured with multiple information processing functions using individual hardware. Details of the control unit 110 and the storage unit 120 will be described later.

[0019] The input / output IF 130 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information (data) exchanged between the periodontal disease assessment device 100 provided in the user terminal 10 and the measuring device 20 .

[0020] The communication IF 140 is an interface for communicating with the outside of the user terminal 10 via a wireless network.

[0021] The display IF 150 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the screen of the display unit 12 provided in the user terminal 10 .

[0022] The camera IF 160 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information exchanged between the imaging unit 14 and the imaging unit 14 provided in the user terminal 10 .

[0023] The display unit 12 corresponds to a display provided in the user terminal 10. For example, the display unit 12 displays a predetermined screen in response to a display instruction from the control unit 110. The display unit 12 also has a touch panel function, and information input by a user to the display unit 12 via the touch panel is sent to the control unit 110 or the storage unit 120 via the display IF 150.

[0024] The imaging unit 14 corresponds to a camera provided in the user terminal 10 that captures still images and / or moving images. The still images and / or moving images captured by the imaging unit 14 are sent to the control unit 110 or the storage unit 120 via the camera IF 160.

[0025] (Configuration of Measuring Device 20) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the measuring device 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the measuring device 20 includes a sensor unit 200, a light source 210, and an input / output IF 230. The sensor unit 200 also includes a reflected light acquisition unit 220.

[0026] The sensor unit 200 emits light having a plurality of wavelengths from the light source 210 based on a light emission control instruction from the user terminal 10. The sensor unit 200 also transmits reflected light acquired by a light receiving element (photodiode) to the user terminal 10 via the input / output IF 230.

[0027] The light source 210 emits light (white light) based on an emission control instruction from the emission control unit 113. In this embodiment, the light source 210 is configured with a white LED, and emits white light under emission control from the user terminal 10. Generally, white light is light that is an even mixture of light of multiple wavelengths. That is, in this embodiment, the white light emitted from the light source 210 has multiple wavelengths.

[0028] The reflected light acquisition unit 220 acquires information about the reflected light of white light irradiated from the light source 210, that is, information about the intensity of the reflected light corresponding to a specific wavelength. In this embodiment, the reflected light may have multiple wavelengths. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the measuring device 20 may include multiple reflected light acquisition units 220 corresponding to multiple wavelengths. In this embodiment, the reflected light acquisition unit 220 is configured by a PD (photodiode) which is a light-receiving element.

[0029] 3A is a diagram showing the configuration of a light source 210 and a reflected light acquisition unit 220 provided at the tip of the measuring device 20. As shown in FIG. 3A, in this embodiment, the light source 210 is located at the center, and two types of reflected light acquisition units 220a and 220b are provided around it. The reflected light acquisition unit 220a and the reflected light acquisition unit 220b can acquire reflected light of different wavelengths from reflected light having a plurality of wavelengths. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the reflected light acquisition units 220a and 220b, they will simply be referred to as the "reflected light acquisition unit 220."

[0030] 3B is a diagram showing the relationship between the wavelengths of multiple reflected lights acquired by the reflected light acquisition unit 220 and the normalized responsiveness. The example shown in FIG. 3B shows examples of normalized responsiveness when the wavelengths are 610 nm, 680 nm, 730 nm, 760 nm, 810 nm, and 860 nm. The reflected light acquisition unit 220 in this embodiment can acquire predetermined reflected light with a wavelength in the range of 350 nm to 990 nm, depending on the settings.

[0031] In this embodiment, for example, the reflected light acquisition unit 220a acquires reflected light with a wavelength of 620 nm. Also, the reflected light acquisition unit 220b acquires reflected light with a wavelength of 575 nm. Note that the wavelengths of the reflected light acquired by the reflected light acquisition units 220a and 220b are not limited to these, and a configuration may be adopted in which reflected light with wavelengths other than 620 nm and 575 nm is acquired.

[0032] The input / output IF 230 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information exchanged between the periodontal disease assessment device 100 provided in the user terminal 10 and the measuring device 20 .

[0033] (Functions of the Periodontal Disease Diagnosis Device 100) Next, the functional configuration of the periodontal disease diagnosis device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the periodontal disease diagnosis device 100 includes, as its functions, an input information acquisition unit 111, a position adjustment unit 112, a light emission control unit 113, a measurement data acquisition unit 114, a periodontal disease diagnosis unit 115, and a diagnosis result display unit 116. Details of each function of the control unit 110 will be described later.

[0034] The control unit 110 also operates, for example, an operating system to control the entire user terminal 10. Furthermore, the control unit 110 operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 120 to execute the above-mentioned functions. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 120, and may be stored in, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) within the user terminal 10.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, the storage unit 120 stores information contained in a user information DB 121 (DB: Database) and a measurement data DB 122 as data. Note that there may be one or more storage units 120 for storing these pieces of data. For example, a single storage unit 120 may be configured to store data in separate areas. Alternatively, data may be distributed and stored in multiple storage devices installed in physically separate locations.

[0036] 5 is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in the user information DB 121. The user information stores information corresponding to items related to "user name," "user ID," and "age." This user information is acquired by the user inputting information corresponding to an input screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG. 6A, for example.

[0037] Next, each function of the periodontal disease assessment device 100 will be described.

[0038] The input information acquisition unit 111 acquires user information input by the user and information on the periodontal portion to be measured. Specifically, the input information acquisition unit 111 acquires data input by the user to the input screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10.

[0039] In this embodiment, the input information acquiring unit 111 acquires input information input by the user to the screen shown in Fig. 6A. Furthermore, the input information acquiring unit 111 acquires information related to the periodontal portion to be measured based on information input by the user to the input screens shown in Figs. 6B, 6C, and 6D.

[0040] 6B is an input screen for acquiring information about the position of the tooth to be measured, which is part of the information about the periodontal portion to be measured. The user selects the tooth position related to the periodontal portion to be measured according to the screen shown in FIG. 6B.

[0041] 6C and 6D are input screens for acquiring information about the target gingival region, which is part of the information about the periodontal region to be measured. Fig. 6C shows the input screen for the mandibular teeth, and Fig. 6D shows the input screen for the maxillary teeth.

[0042] In this embodiment, the gingival regions to be measured are four patterns: "Front Distal" (surface distal), "Front Mesial" (surface mesial), "Front Middle" (surface middle), and "Back Middle" (back middle).

[0043] As shown in Figure 6E, the side closer to the center line (median) indicating the center of the upper and lower teeth corresponds to the mesial side, and the side farther from the center line corresponds to the distal side.

[0044] In the examples shown in Figures 6C and 6D, the left side corresponds to the distal side. That is, the teeth shown in Figure 6C correspond to the teeth located at "LL1" to "LL8" on the mandibular side in the example shown in Figure 5. The teeth shown in Figure 6D correspond to the teeth located at "LU1" to "LU8" on the maxillary side in the example shown in Figure 5.

[0045] Information about the periodontal portion to be measured acquired by the input information acquisition unit 111 is stored in the user information DB 121. In the example shown in FIG. 5, an example is shown in which the "Front Middle" of tooth "LU1" is the measurement target, and the information is stored with a "○" in the table. Note that FIG. 5 also shows information from the measurement data DB 122, which will be described later. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 5, information corresponding to the measurement data DB 122 is stored in the lower column corresponding to each tooth.

[0046] To allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device 20, the position adjustment unit 112 acquires an image of the user setting the measuring device 20 in the oral cavity from the imaging unit 14 and displays it on the display unit 12. The user looks at the image displayed on the display unit 12 and checks whether the measuring device 20 is set in the correct position.

[0047] 7A and 7B are guide screens for allowing the user to adjust the position of the measuring device 20. First, the position adjustment unit 112 displays the image shown in FIG. 7A on the display unit 12, and checks whether the user is ready for measurement using the measuring device 20. Thereafter, the position adjustment unit 112 displays the image shown in FIG. 7B on the display unit 12, and prompts the user to adjust the position of the measuring device 20. If there is no problem with the position of the measuring device 20, the user presses the start button 12a displayed on the display unit 12 to start measurement using the measuring device 20.

[0048] The light emission control unit 113 transmits to the measuring device 20 a light emission control instruction for irradiating light having a plurality of wavelengths from a light source 210 provided in the measuring device 20. Furthermore, the light emission control unit 113 transmits to the measuring device 20 a light emission control instruction for the light source 210, whereby white light is irradiated from the light source 210.

[0049] The measurement data acquisition unit 114 acquires, as measurement data, information relating to the intensity of reflected light acquired by the measuring device 20. Specifically, the measurement data acquisition unit 114 acquires, as measurement data, information relating to the intensity of reflected light acquired by the reflected light acquisition unit 220 formed of a PD (photodiode), via the input / output IF 230 and the input / output IF 130.

[0050] The periodontal disease assessment unit 115 calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data. Specifically, the periodontal disease assessment unit 115 calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease based on the measurement data transmitted from the measuring device 20. In this embodiment, the information indicating the degree of periodontal disease is calculated based on the intensity of reflected light having a wavelength of 620 nm and the intensity of reflected light having a wavelength of 575 nm. Hereinafter, the information obtained by normalizing the intensity of reflected light having a wavelength of 620 nm will be referred to as R620, and the information obtained by normalizing the intensity of reflected light having a wavelength of 575 nm will be referred to as R575.

[0051] It is generally known that as the severity of periodontal disease progresses, the R575 value decreases when the normalized value of R620 is set to 1. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a diagram showing the relationship between the wavelength of reflected light and the diffuse reflection intensity, as shown in FIG. 8. The example shown in FIG. 8 shows the diffuse reflection (DR) intensity from 400 nm to 750 nm relative to R620 normalized to the maximum intensity. The example shown in FIG. 8 shows that when the reflected light at each wavelength is normalized with respect to the maximum intensity (1.0) of R620, for example, the R575 value is lower in patients with periodontal disease than in healthy individuals.

[0052] In this embodiment, the periodontal disease determination unit 115 calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease according to the ratio (intensity ratio) of R575 when R620 is set to 1. That is, in this embodiment, this intensity ratio corresponds to information indicating the degree of periodontal disease. Specifically, the intensity ratio is expressed by the following formula (1): Intensity ratio = R620 / R575 (1)

[0053] In this embodiment, the periodontal disease determination unit 115 determines the presence or absence of periodontal disease and the severity of the periodontal disease based on the calculated intensity ratio in accordance with the following equations (2) to (5): Intensity ratio≦1.30 (2) 1.30<Intensity ratio≦1.44 (3) 1.44<Intensity ratio≦2.27 (4) 2.27<Intensity ratio (5)

[0054] The periodontal disease determination unit 115 determines that there is no problem with periodontal disease when the intensity ratio satisfies formula (2). Furthermore, the periodontal disease determination unit 115 determines that there is "mild" periodontal disease when the intensity ratio satisfies formula (3). Furthermore, the periodontal disease determination unit 115 determines that there is "moderate" periodontal disease when the intensity ratio satisfies formula (4). Furthermore, the periodontal disease determination unit 115 determines that there is "severe" periodontal disease when the intensity ratio satisfies formula (5).

[0055] Furthermore, the periodontal disease assessment unit 115 stores the assessment results in the measurement data DB 122. In the diagram shown in Fig. 5, in the column corresponding to each tooth, information from the measurement data DB 122 is stored as the assessment result, as described above. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the "Front Middle" of tooth "LU1" is shown as the measurement target, and the bottom row in the table shows an example where "moderate" is stored as the assessment result.

[0056] The assessment result display unit 116 displays the assessment result assessed by the periodontal disease assessment unit 115 on the display unit 12. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the periodontal disease assessment result displayed on the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the display unit 12 displays the assessment result of an intensity ratio of "2.0" and a periodontal disease degree of "moderate" for the target tooth "LU1" and the gum area "Front Middle." Based on the assessment result displayed on the display unit 12, the user can recognize the degree of periodontal disease for the target tooth and gum area.

[0057] (Outline of processing flow of periodontal disease detection system 1) Next, the processing related to periodontal disease detection in the periodontal disease detection system 1 (periodontal disease detection method) will be described based on the flowcharts in Figs. 10 to 12. The series of operations of the periodontal disease detection system 1 shown in the flowcharts in Figs. 10 to 12 begins when the periodontal disease assessment device 100 is started, and ends when the power is turned off. Furthermore, the processing in the flowcharts shown in Figs. 10 to 12 can also end when an interrupt to end the processing occurs, in addition to when the power is turned off. Furthermore, in the description of the flowcharts below, content that is the same as that described in the description of the periodontal disease detection system 1 above will be omitted or simplified.

[0058] In step S1001 shown in Fig. 10, the input information acquisition unit 111 acquires user information entered by the user and information regarding the periodontal portion to be measured. Specifically, the input information acquisition unit 111 acquires data entered by the user on the input screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10. The process related to the input information acquisition in step S1001 is carried out as shown in detail in Fig. 11. The process related to the input information acquisition in step S1001 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11.

[0059] 11, the control unit 110 displays an input screen on the display unit 12. Specifically, an input screen for user information as shown in Fig. 6A is displayed on the display unit 12. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0060] In step S1102, the input information acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not the user information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10 has been acquired. If the input information acquisition unit 111 determines in step S1102 that the user information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10 has been acquired (step S1102: YES), the process proceeds to step S1103. On the other hand, if the input information acquisition unit 111 determines in step S1102 that the user information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10 has not been acquired (step S1102: NO), the process repeats step S1102.

[0061] In step S1103, the control unit 110 displays a first selection screen. In this embodiment, the first selection screen is an input screen for acquiring information about the position of the tooth to be measured. The information selected on the first selection screen corresponds to the first selection information. The first selection screen also corresponds to the input screen shown in FIG. 6B. Then, the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0062] In step S1104, the input information acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not it has acquired first selection information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10. If the input information acquisition unit 111 determines in step S1104 that it has acquired first selection information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10 (step S1104: YES), the process proceeds to step S1105. On the other hand, if the input information acquisition unit 111 determines in step S1104 that it has not acquired first selection information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10 (step S1104: NO), the process repeats step S1104.

[0063] In step S1105, the control unit 110 displays a second selection screen. In this embodiment, the second selection screen is an input screen for acquiring information about the gingival region to be measured. The information selected on the second selection screen corresponds to the second selection information. The second selection screen also corresponds to the input screen shown in FIG. 6C. Then, the process proceeds to step S1106.

[0064] In step S1106, the input information acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not the second selection information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10 has been acquired. If the input information acquisition unit 111 determines in step S1106 that the second selection information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10 has been acquired (step S1106: YES), the processing ends and returns to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. On the other hand, if the input information acquisition unit 111 determines in step S1106 that the second selection information input by the user via the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10 has not been acquired (step S1106: NO), the processing repeats step S1106.

[0065] Returning to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, the description will be continued. In step S1002, the position adjustment unit 112 acquires an image of the user setting the measuring device 20 in the oral cavity and displays it on the display unit 12, in order to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device 20. The position adjustment process in step S1002 is performed in detail as shown in Fig. 12. The position adjustment process in step S1002 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12.

[0066] 12, in step S1201, the control unit 110 causes the imaging unit 14 to perform imaging processing and acquires still images and / or moving images as imaging data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1202.

[0067] In step S1202, the control unit 110 displays the acquired imaging data on the display unit 12. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1203.

[0068] In step S1203, the position adjustment unit 112 determines whether or not an examination start instruction has been acquired. Specifically, in the above-mentioned step S1202, the control unit 110 displays an image as shown in FIG. 7B as imaging data, and prompts the user to adjust the position of the measuring device 20. Thereafter, when the user wants to start intraoral measurement using the measuring device 20, the user presses the start button 12a shown in FIG. 7B, and measurement begins. In step S1203, the position adjustment unit 112 determines whether or not information pressed by the user has been acquired as an examination start instruction.

[0069] In step S1203, if the position adjustment unit 112 determines that an inspection start instruction has been acquired (step S1203: YES), the process ends and returns to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. On the other hand, in step S1203, if the position adjustment unit 112 determines that an inspection start instruction has not been acquired (step S1203: NO), the process returns to step S1201, and the process from step S1201 is repeated. That is, until an inspection start instruction is issued by the user, an image is captured by the imaging unit 14 and the position of the measuring device 20 is adjusted based on the image displayed on the display unit 12.

[0070] Returning to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, the following description will be continued. In step S1003, the light emission control unit 113 sends an instruction to the measuring device 20 to control the light emission of the light source 210. Specifically, the light emission control unit 113 sends the instruction to the measuring device 20 to control the light emission of the light source 210, causing the light source 210 to emit white light. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1004.

[0071] In step S1004, the measurement data acquisition unit 114 acquires, as measurement data, the reflected light acquired by the measuring device 20. The measurement data acquisition unit 114 acquires, as measurement data, information about the intensity of the reflected light acquired by the reflected light acquisition unit 220, which is configured with a PD (photodiode), via the input / output IF 230 and the input / output IF 130. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1005.

[0072] In step S1005, the periodontal disease assessment unit 115 calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data. Specifically, the periodontal disease assessment unit 115 calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease based on the measurement data transmitted from the measuring device 20.

[0073] In this embodiment, the periodontal disease determination unit 115 calculates the intensity ratio using the above-mentioned formula (1). Furthermore, the periodontal disease determination unit 115 determines the presence or absence of periodontal disease and the severity of the periodontal disease based on the calculated intensity ratio according to formulas (2) to (5). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0074] In step S1006, the assessment result display unit 116 displays the assessment result assessed by the periodontal disease assessment unit 115. As described above, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the periodontal disease assessment result displayed on the display unit 12 of the user terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 12 displays the assessment result of an intensity ratio of "2.0" and a periodontal disease degree of "moderate" for the target tooth "LU1" and the gum area "Front Middle." Based on the assessment result displayed on the display unit 12, the user can recognize the degree of periodontal disease for the target tooth and gum area.

[0075] As described above, the periodontal disease detection system 1 according to this embodiment includes a periodontal disease assessment device 100 and a measuring device 20. The periodontal disease assessment device 100 includes a position adjustment unit 112 that acquires an image of the user placing the measuring device 20 in the oral cavity from the imaging unit 14 and displays the image on the display unit 12 to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device 20. The periodontal disease assessment device 100 also includes a light emission control unit 113 that transmits light emission control instructions to the measuring device 20 to cause the light source 210 provided in the measuring device 20 to emit light. The periodontal disease assessment device 100 also includes a measurement data acquisition unit 114 that acquires information related to the intensity of reflected light acquired by the measuring device 20 as measurement data. The periodontal disease assessment device 100 also includes a periodontal disease assessment unit 115 that calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data.

[0076] This allows a user of the periodontal disease detection system 1 to measure the inside of the oral cavity using the measuring device 20 while checking the position of the measuring device 20 set in the oral cavity. Therefore, the periodontal disease detection system 1 can accurately determine the position of the periodontal portion that is to be detected for periodontal disease.

[0077] Furthermore, the light emitted from the light source 210 may have multiple wavelengths, and the measuring device 20 may include a reflected light acquisition unit 220 capable of acquiring information about reflected light having multiple wavelengths. Furthermore, the measurement data acquisition unit 114 may acquire the multiple reflected lights acquired by the measuring device 20 as multiple measurement data. Furthermore, the periodontal disease assessment unit 115 may calculate an intensity ratio, which is information indicating the degree of periodontal disease, based on the multiple measurement data, and assess the degree of periodontal disease based on the intensity ratio. This enables the periodontal disease detection system 1 to more accurately assess the presence or absence of periodontal disease and its progression.

[0078] Furthermore, the information about the periodontal portion acquired by the input information acquisition unit 111 includes information about the position of the tooth to be measured and information about the gingival portion to be measured. This enables the periodontal disease detection system 1 to detect the presence or absence and the degree of progression of periodontal disease for more detailed portions of the periodontal portion to be measured.

[0079] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine some or all of the various embodiments to create a new embodiment.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the user selects teeth to be measured on an input screen corresponding to all teeth, as shown in FIG. 6B . For example, some users may be missing some teeth due to tooth loss or other reasons. Therefore, for example, the input information acquisition unit 111 may display an input screen such as that shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B to allow the user to register nonexistent teeth in advance. That is, the input information acquisition unit 111 acquires information about nonexistent teeth input by the user, and further excludes the periodontal portions of the nonexistent teeth from the measurement targets.

[0081] For example, the user registers a non-existent tooth on the input screen shown in Fig. 13A. Thereafter, the selection screen displayed on the display unit 12 displays a screen that does not allow non-existent teeth to be selected as measurement targets, as shown in Fig. 13B, for example. This allows the periodontal disease detection system 1 to prevent measurement errors caused by the user mistakenly selecting a non-existent tooth, and enables more accurate determination of the position of the periodontal portion to be detected for periodontal disease.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the input information acquisition unit 111 acquires user information for one user, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the periodontal disease detection system 1 may be configured as a system that supports multiple users, and may be configured to identify users by the "user ID" shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the user information DB 121 and measurement data DB 122 of the storage unit 120 may be configured to store past measurement data for each user. This allows each user to compare the assessment results obtained by the periodontal disease assessment device 100 with the results of past measurements and assessments, and to check for improvement or worsening of the condition.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the light source 210 emits white light having multiple wavelengths, and the reflected light acquisition units 220 acquire reflected light having multiple wavelengths. This configuration does not limit the embodiment, and, for example, the light source 210 may emit light of a predetermined wavelength, and the reflected light acquisition unit 220 may acquire reflected light of the light of the predetermined wavelength emitted from the light source 210. In this case, by changing the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source 210 in a time-division manner, the light source 210 can emit light of multiple wavelengths. Furthermore, by adjusting the wavelength of the reflected light acquisition unit 220 to match the wavelength of the light source 210, it becomes possible to acquire reflected light of multiple lights emitted from the light source 210 and whose wavelengths change in a time-division manner using a single light receiving element.

[0084] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0085] (Technology 1) A periodontal disease detection system comprising a periodontal disease assessment device and a measuring device, wherein the periodontal disease assessment device comprises: an input information acquisition unit that acquires information input by a user regarding the periodontal portion to be measured; a position adjustment unit that acquires an image of the user setting the measuring device in the oral cavity from an imaging unit and displays the image on a display unit to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device; a light emission control unit that sends a light emission control instruction to the measuring device to cause a light source provided in the measuring device to irradiate light; a measurement data acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the intensity of reflected light acquired by the measuring device as measurement data; and a periodontal disease assessment unit that calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data, and the measuring device comprises: the light source that irradiates light based on the light emission control instruction from the light emission control unit, and a reflected light acquisition unit that acquires the reflected light of the irradiated light.

[0086] With this configuration, a user of the periodontal disease detection system 1 can measure the inside of the oral cavity using the measuring device 20 while checking the position of the measuring device 20 set in the oral cavity. Therefore, the periodontal disease detection system 1 can accurately determine the position of the periodontal portion that is to be detected for periodontal disease.

[0087] (Technology 2) A periodontal disease detection system as described in Technology 1, wherein the light source emits light having multiple wavelengths, the reflected light acquisition unit is capable of acquiring information about the reflected light having multiple wavelengths, the measurement data acquisition unit acquires information about the reflected light having multiple wavelengths acquired by the measuring device as multiple pieces of measurement data, and the periodontal disease assessment unit calculates an intensity ratio, which is information indicating the degree of periodontal disease, based on the multiple pieces of measurement data.

[0088] With this configuration, the periodontal disease assessment unit 115 of the periodontal disease assessment device 100 assesses periodontal disease based on the intensity of reflected light having multiple wavelengths, thereby enabling the periodontal disease detection system 1 to more accurately assess the presence or absence of periodontal disease and its progression.

[0089] (Technology 3) A periodontal disease detection system described in Technology 1 or 2, in which the input information acquisition unit acquires information input by the user regarding non-existent teeth and excludes the periodontal portions related to the non-existent teeth from the measurement target.

[0090] With this configuration, the periodontal disease detection system 1 excludes measurements for non-existent teeth and measures existing teeth and their gingival areas, which makes it possible for the periodontal disease detection system 1 to prevent measurement errors caused by the user mistakenly selecting non-existent teeth and more accurately determine the position of the periodontal area to be detected for periodontal disease.

[0091] (Technology 4) A periodontal disease detection system according to any one of technologies 1 to 3, wherein the information relating to the periodontal portion includes information relating to the position of the tooth to be measured and information relating to the gum region to be measured.

[0092] With this configuration, the periodontal disease detection system 1 irradiates light (white light) from the light source 210 onto specific teeth or gum areas, acquires the reflected light, and determines periodontal disease using the periodontal disease assessment device 100. Therefore, the periodontal disease detection system 1 can detect the presence or absence and the degree of progression of periodontal disease for more detailed areas in the periodontal portion to be measured.

[0093] (Technology 5) A periodontal disease detection method executed by a computer, comprising: acquiring information input by a user regarding the periodontal portion to be measured; acquiring an image of the user setting the measuring device in the oral cavity to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device; displaying the image on a display unit; sending an emission control instruction to the measuring device to cause light to be emitted from a light source provided in the measuring device; acquiring information regarding the intensity of reflected light of the light irradiated from the light source as measurement data, acquired by a reflected light acquisition unit provided in the measuring device; and calculating information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data.

[0094] With this configuration, a user using the periodontal disease detection method can measure the inside of the oral cavity using the measuring device 20 while checking the position of the measuring device 20 set in the oral cavity. Therefore, the periodontal disease detection method can accurately determine the position of the periodontal portion that is the target of periodontal disease detection.

[0095] (Technology 6) A periodontal disease detection program for causing a computer to execute the steps of: acquiring information input by a user regarding the periodontal portion to be measured; acquiring an image of the user setting the measuring device in the oral cavity to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device; displaying the image on a display unit; sending an emission control instruction to the measuring device to cause light to be emitted from a light source provided in the measuring device; acquiring information regarding the intensity of reflected light of the light irradiated from the light source as measurement data, acquired by a reflected light acquisition unit provided in the measuring device; and calculating information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data.

[0096] With this configuration, a user using the periodontal disease detection program can measure the inside of the oral cavity with the measuring device 20 while checking the position of the measuring device 20 set in the oral cavity. Therefore, the periodontal disease detection program makes it possible to accurately determine the position of the periodontal portion that is the target of periodontal disease detection.

[0097] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-189573 (filing date: November 28, 2022) are incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] The contents of the present disclosure have been described above in accordance with the examples, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0099] The present disclosure is applicable to periodontal disease detection systems that can accurately determine the position of a periodontal portion that is a target for periodontal disease detection. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to periodontal disease detection devices for commercial and home use.

[0100] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Periodontal disease detection system 10 User terminal 12 Display unit 14 Imaging unit 20 Measuring device 100 Periodontal disease determination device 110 Control unit 111 Input information acquisition unit 112 Position adjustment unit 113 Light emission control unit 114 Measurement data acquisition unit 115 Periodontal disease determination unit 116 Determination result display unit 120 Storage unit 130, 230 Input / output IF 140 Communication IF 150 Display IF 160 Camera IF 200 Sensor unit 210 Light source 220, 220a, 220b Reflected light acquisition unit

Claims

1. A periodontal disease detection system comprising a periodontal disease assessment device and a measurement device, The periodontal disease assessment device comprises: an input information acquisition unit that acquires information about the periodontal portion to be measured input by a user; a position adjustment unit that acquires an image of the user setting the measuring device in the oral cavity from an imaging unit and displays the image on a display unit so that the user can adjust the position of the measuring device; a light emission control unit that transmits a light emission control instruction to the measuring device to cause a light source provided in the measuring device to emit light; a measurement data acquisition unit that acquires information about the intensity of the reflected light acquired by the measuring device as measurement data; a periodontal disease determination unit that calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data, The measuring device comprises: the light source that emits the light based on the light emission control instruction from the light emission control unit; a reflected light acquisition unit that acquires the reflected light of the irradiated light, Periodontal disease detection system.

2. the light source emits light having a plurality of wavelengths; the reflected light acquisition unit is capable of acquiring information about the reflected light having a plurality of wavelengths, the measurement data acquisition unit acquires information about the reflected light having a plurality of wavelengths acquired by the measuring device as a plurality of pieces of measurement data; The periodontal disease detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the periodontal disease determination unit calculates an intensity ratio, which is information indicating the degree of periodontal disease, based on a plurality of pieces of measurement data.

3. The periodontal disease detection system according to claim 1, wherein the input information acquisition unit acquires information input by the user that relates to non-existent teeth, and excludes periodontal portions relating to the non-existent teeth from the measurement target.

4. The periodontal disease detection system described in Claim 2, wherein the input information acquisition unit acquires information input by the user, which is information regarding non-existent teeth, and excludes the periodontal portions related to the non-existent teeth from the measurement targets.

5. 5. The periodontal disease detection system according to claim 1, wherein the information about the periodontal portion includes information about the position of the tooth to be measured and information about the gum part to be measured.

6. 1. A computer-implemented method for detecting periodontal disease, comprising: Obtain information entered by the user about the periodontal area to be measured; acquiring an image of the user placing the measuring device in the oral cavity to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device; Displaying the image on a display unit; transmitting a light emission control instruction to the measuring device to cause a light source provided in the measuring device to emit light; acquiring, as measurement data, information regarding the intensity of reflected light of the light irradiated from the light source, the information being acquired by a reflected light acquisition unit provided in the measuring device; A periodontal disease detection method, which calculates information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data.

7. obtaining user-entered information about the periodontal portion to be measured; acquiring an image of the user placing the measuring device in the oral cavity to allow the user to adjust the position of the measuring device; displaying the image on a display unit; transmitting a light emission control instruction to the measuring device to cause a light source provided in the measuring device to emit light; acquiring, as measurement data, information regarding the intensity of reflected light of the light irradiated from the light source, the information being acquired by a reflected light acquisition unit provided in the measuring device; calculating information indicating the degree of periodontal disease of the user based on the measurement data; A periodontal disease detection program for running on a computer.