WO2004110277A1

WO2004110277A1 - Intra-oral fluoroscope for dental treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2004110277A1
Application number: PCT/KR2004/000265
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dae Yeun Kim
Original assignee: Dae Yeun Kim
Priority date: 2003-06-16
Filing date: 2004-02-10
Publication date: 2004-12-23
Also published as: KR200358826Y1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved intra-oral fluoroscope that has a small size to be easily put into a mouth and can provides clearer and credible image information on a intra-oral state of a patient. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

Description

INTRA-ORAL FLUOROSCOPE FOR DENTAL TREATMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an intra-oral photographing device, and mor,e particularly, to an intra-oral fluoroscope for a dental treatment that can detect X-rays transmitted to an intra-oral affected part and produce intra-oral image information, thereby a dentist can perform a medical treatment to the affected part as he watches the intra-oral image information.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, it is not easy to observe an intra-oral blood vessel, muscles and teeth carefully and accurately. However, it is very important to examine the intra-oral state accurately in order to perform a medical treatment

^"-properly in such cases as pulling out an abnormally grown tooth, implanting an artificial teeth in a gum, performing a teeth correction and performing an operation on the gum, etc.

A film and a radiation such as X-rays have been widely used in the field to observe the intra-oral state of the patient. That is, the film is usually disposed behind the affected teeth of the patient and fixed by patient' s hand or tongue, and then the X-rays are transmitted to the teeth. Finally the film is exposed to the transmitted X-rays and forms an image showing the state of the affected teeth. Accordingly, the dentist can obtain intra-oral information of the patient for a dental treatment to the patient by developing and then observing the developed film.

However, the aforementioned method has a couple of disadvantages as follows. According to the aforementioned method, the film is easy to move as the patient moves and thus the film may fail to produce an exact image of the teeth. Beside, the film must be usually developed after photographing the teeth for the dentist to observe the developed film to understand the exact state of the affected teeth. However, because a size of the film is usually very small, the dentist may misread the developed film. Moreover, because the dental treatment is usually performed repeatedly with a certain time interval, the affected teeth have to be photographed by above-mentioned method for a more proper dental treatment. However, it is not easy to photograph the affected teeth by X-rays each time the dental treatment needs to be done and it is not easy to keep those developed films well arranged for a future use.

To overcome above-mentioned problems, the applicant has filed a PCT application about an intra-oral fluoroscope, numbered "PCT/KR2002/01649. However, the applied intra-oral fluoroscope has a relatively big size so that it is not good to be put into the mouth.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an intra-oral fluoroscope that substantially obviates one or more of problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide an intra-oral fluoroscope that can be easily put into a mouth and acquire credible and clear image information on an affected part such as an affected tooth.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an intra-oral fluoroscope that can produce accurate image information on an affected part in a mouth and thus enable a dentist to examine and treat more properly the teeth of a patient .

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth", a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information! an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

In the above, a radiation cutoff plate may be formed around an outer surface of the first image information transmission means to protect the image acquisition and process means from X-ray radiation.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the image amplification means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the image amplification means; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; a light collecting means for collecting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the light collecting means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the image amplification means; .an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a plurality of detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a plurality of first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; a plurality of image acquisition and process means for acquiring the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means and processing the acquired image information separately by each image acquisition and process means or simultaneously as a whole of the plurality of image acquisition and process means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from each of the image acquisition and process means.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a plurality of first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; a plurality of image acquisition and process means for acquiring the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means and processing the acquired image* information separately by each image acquisition and process means or simultaneously as a whole of the plurality of image acquisition and process means and then transmitting the processed image information", and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from each of the image acquisition and process means.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the detected image information and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means. In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a plurality of image acquisition and process means for acquiring the detected image information and processing the acquired image information separately by each image acquisition and process means or simultaneously as a whole of the plurality of image acquisition and process means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

In the above, the detecting means may be formed one of a fluorescent screen and a faceplate coated with fluorescent material.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting. X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information, the first image information transmission means having an optical means disposed at one end adjacent to the detecting means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the image amplification means and then transmitting the processed image information, the image acquisition and process means spaced apart from the image amplification means; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information, the first image information transmission means having an optical means disposed at one end adjacent to the detecting means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means', an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the image amplification means and then transmitting the processed image information, the image acquisition and process means connected to the image amplification means; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

In another aspect, an intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprises a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information, the first image information transmission means having an optical means disposed at one end adjacent to the detecting means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means; a third image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the image amplification means; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the third image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

In the above, the first image information transmission means may be formed one of optical fiber and optical fiber taper.

In the above, the image acquisition and process means may be CCD camera or be selected from the group consisting of a CCD, a CMOS, a camcorder, a digital camera, an area detector, a line detector, a scan detector, a hybrid detector, a storage phosphor image plate, a photo diode and TFT.

In the above, the second and third image information transmission means may be formed one of optical fiber and optical fiber taper.

In the above, the detecting means may include a casing and a X-ray detecting plate, the casing having a shape of either a cone or a pyramid, the X-ray detecting plate disposed at a bottom of the casing and formed one of a fluorescent screen and a faceplate coated with fluorescent material. In the above, the optical means may be formed of a prism and a lens is disposed between the first and second image information transmission means in order to magnify the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.1, the intra-oral fluoroscope of the present embodiment mainly comprises a detecting means 100, a first image information transmission means 200, an image acquisition and process means 600 and a driving means 800.

The detecting means 100 is for detecting image information on the state of affected parts of a mouth using visible rays that is generated by reacting with X-rays transmitted to the affected parts of the mouth. The detecting means

100 is disposed at one end of the first image information transmission means 200.

The detecting means 100 may desirably be selected from the group consisting of a fluorescent screen, a intensifying screen and a faceplate having a fluorescent material. The fluorescent material may be selected from the group consisting of calcium tungstate (CaWO₄), lanthanide (La series), CsI(TI), CsI(Na), NaI(TI), ZnS and ZnS(Ag),etc.

The first image information transmission means 200 is for transmitting the image information on the state of the affected parts of the mouth that is detected as the visible rays at the detecting means 100 to the image acquisition and process means 600. The first image information transmission means 200 may desirably be formed one of optical fiber and optical fiber taper. The first image information transmission means 200 may also be formed of optical fiber rod and it is desirable to form the rod to have a bigger diameter at a portion adjacent to the detecting means 100 than a portion adjacent to the image acquisition and process means 600. Meanwhile, because the X-ray transmitted to intra-oral affected, parts is a kind of a radiation, the optical fiber or the optical fiber taper is desirably formed of radiation resistant optical fiber or radiation resistant optical fiber taper.

It is desirable that a size and a shape of an end portion of the first image information transmission means 100 to which the detecting means 100 is located be formed properly to be put into the mouth.

The image acquisition and process means 600 is for acquiring image information from the first image information transmission means 200 and then processing the image information into static or moving pictures. The image acquisition and process means 600 mainly includes a lens and a CCD camera having a CCD (charged coupled device) and a circuit board. The image acquisition and process means 600 may includes one of MOSCmetal oxide semiconductor), CMOS(complementary metal oxide semiconductor) ,CCD, a digital camera and a camcorder. The image acquisition and process means 600 may alternatively includes one of an area detector, a scan detector and a hybrid detector for providing a moving picture by processing the image information data on a real time base. The scan detector has a higher resolution than the area detector and the hybrid detector has both advantages of the area detector and the scan detector. The image acquisition and process means 600 may alternatively includes one of a storage phosphor image plate, a photo diode and a TFT(thin film transistor). The storage phosphor image plate can acquire a digital picture by forming a latent image on an image plate using X-rays and then scanning the latent image using a laser. The photo diode can transform the photographed picture formed by X-rays into images and the TFT can provide a picture having a high resolution. The more details about the above-mentioned devices for the image acquisition and process means 600 will be omitted because they are all well known to the skilled person in the field. The driving means 800 has a display unit that embodies the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means 600 into the static or moving picture. Any kind of display devices can be used for the display unit if it can show image information on the state of the intra-oral affected parts. The driving means 800 is for controlling and driving a total system of the intra-oral fluoroscope and details on the driving means 800 is well known to skilled in the field.

An element 700 of FIG. 1 that is not described yet is a cable for transmitting the image information from the image acquisition and process means 600 to the driving means 800. Though it is desirable to connect the image acquisition and process means 600 to the driving means 800 with the cable 700 as shown in FIG. 1, a wireless connection between the image acquisition and process means 600 and the driving means 800 may be applied to the present invention.

An operation principle of the present invention is as follows. One end of the first image information transmission means 200 to which the detecting means 100 is formed is put into a mouth of a patient and located near the affected parts that need a radioactive examination and then the X-rays are applied to the affected parts by an external X-ray irradiator. The irradiated X-ray is transmitted to the detecting means 100 passing through the affected parts such as teeth that needs a dental treatment. The transmitted X-rays have information on the state of the affected parts. The transmitted X-rays generate visible rays by interacting with fluorescent material of the detecting means 100 and the image information on the intra-oral state is transformed from X- rays into visible rays. The image information on the intra-oral state that is transformed into the visible rays is transmitted to the image acquisition and process means 600 passing through the first image information transmission means 200 and then processed at the image acquisition and process means 600. The processed image information is transmitted to the driving means 800 and then displayed on the display unit. The image information may be displayed as a static or moving pictures on the display unit depending on a kind of the device selected for the image acquisition and process means 600.

FIG. 2 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the intra-oral fluoroscope further has an image amplification means 500. As shown in FIG. 2, the image amplification means 500 is connected to the first image information transmission means 200. The image amplification means 500 is for amplifying the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means 200 and desirably be formed of an image intensifier tube that can produce a clear image only with a small percentage of visible rays in a range of 10-20%. Accordingly, the second embodiment can provide a clearer image than the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a second image information transmission means 300 is formed between the image amplification means 500 and the image acquisition and process means 600. The second image information transmission means 300 is desirably formed one of optical fiber and optical fiber taper. The second image information transmission means 300 is for magnifying the image information transmitted from the image amplification means 500 and transmitting the magnified image information to the image acquisition and process means 600. Accordingly, more magnified image information can be displayed on the display unit than the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, a light collecting means 280 is formed between the first image information transmission means 200 and the image amplification means 500. The light collecting means 280 is for collecting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means 200 and a usual lens can be used for the light collecting means 280. If the light collecting means 280 is formed of a single lens, a convex lens is used for collecting the image information that is visible ray. However, it is desirable that the light collecting means 280 be formed of a couple of lens considering a chromatic aberration owing to a single lens. It is desirable to coat a surface of the lens with a reflection prevention thin film to prevent a reflection of the image information incident on the surface of the lens. Accordingly, the image information can be displayed more clearly in the present embodiment than the previous embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the intra-oral fluoroscope according to the fifth embodiment mainly comprises a detecting means 100, a first image information transmission means 220, an image acquisition and process means 600 and a driving means 800. As shown in the figure, the first image information transmission means 220 has an improved shape to be put into the mouth of the patient more easily than the first image information transmission means 200 in the first embodiment. Besides, the shape of the first image information transmission means 220 according to the present embodiment is more advantageous for miniaturization. It is desirable to form the first image information transmission means 220 tapered. That is, it is desirable to form a diameter of a portion of the first image information transmission means 220 near the detecting means 100 bigger than a diameter of a portion of the first image information transmission means 220 near the image acquisition and process means 600 in order to obtain clearer image information. Though a shape of the first image information transmission means 220 is a cone type in FIG. 5, the first image information transmission means 220 may be shaped in many different shapes such as a pyramid.

FIG. 6 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a radiation cutoff plate 222 is formed around an outer surface of the first image information transmission means 220 as shown in FIG. 6. The radiation cutoff plate 222 is for protecting the image acquisition and process means 600 from the X-ray radiation to obtain clearer image information. Accordingly, it is desirable that the radiation cutoff plate be formed of lead that can efficiently cutoff the radiation. According to the present embodiment, protecting the image information from the X-ray radiation can provide clearer image information. FIG. 7 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the detecting means has a double-layered structure. In FIG. 7, the detecting means has first and second layers 100 and 120. Because the detecting means are formed of two layers 100 and 120, the detecting means can detect more amount of the image information. Though two detecting means 100 and 120 form a double-layered structure in the figure, the number of layers may be changed diversely depending on the situation. Accordingly, the intra-oral fluoroscope according to the present embodiment can produce more visible rays by increasing an amount of the fluorescent material that reacts with the transmitted X-rays. FIG. 8 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the intra-oral fluoroscope comprises a plurality of sets consisting of a detecting means 122, a first image information transmission means 220 and an image acquisition and process means 600. That is, the detecting means 122, the first image information transmission means 220 and the image acquisition and process means 600 forms one set and the intra-oral fluoroscope has a plurality of those sets and a driving means 800. The image acquisition and process means 600 processes the image information transmitted from the plurality of detecting means 122 passing through the plurality of first image information transmission means 220 and then transmits the processed image information to the driving means 800. The image acquisition and process means 600 may process the image information transmitted through the plurality of the first image information transmission means 220 separately or simultaneously as a whole. According to the present embodiment, the individual image information on the intra-oral state that is detected at each of the plurality of detecting means 122 can be displayed individually or a combination of that individual image information can be displayed at a time. Of course a shape of the detecting means 122 can be modified diversely depending on the situation.

FIG. 9 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a detecting means 124 is connected to a plurality of first image information transmission means 220 and a plurality of image acquisition and process means 600. As shown in the figure, the detecting means 124 is shaped like a plate. That is, the plurality of first image information transmission means 220 receives the image information from the single detecting means 124 unlike the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the intra-oral fluoroscope mainly comprises a detecting means 140, an image acquisition and process means 600 and a driving means 800. The image information detected at the detecting means 140 is transmitted directly to the image acquisition and process means 600 without an intermediate transmission means unlike the previous embodiments. Accordingly, the present embodiment is favorable for making the intra-oral fluoroscope in a small size.

FIG. 11 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the image acquisition and process means 600 of the tenth embodiment is substituted with a plurality of image acquisition and process means 600 as shown in the figure. That is, in FIG. 11, two image acquisition and process means 600 are connected to the detecting means 140. The plurality of image acquisition and process means 600 respectively receives the image information from the detecting means 140 and then processes the received image information separately or as a whole to transmit to the driving means 800.

According to the present embodiment, the respective image information transmitted to each of the image acquisition and process means 600 may be displayed on a display unit of the driving means 800 individually or a combined image information transmitted from each of the image acquisition and process means 600 may be displayed on the display unit of the driving means 800.

FIG. 12 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The intra-oral fluoroscope according to the present embodiment mainly comprises a detecting means 160, first and second image information transmission means 260 and 320, an image amplification means 500, an image acquisition and process means 600 and a driving means 800. The detecting means 160 has a casing 166 and a X-ray detecting plate 162. The detecting means 160 is connected to one end of the first image information transmission means 260. The casing 166 of the detecting means 160 is to be located near the affected parts in the mouth and has openings near an apex and a bottom. It is desirable that the casing 166 be shaped like a cone or a pyramid having a hollow space therein. The X-ray detecting plate 162 is disposed at the bottom of the casing 166 and may be formed of same material as the detecting means 100 in the previous embodiments. An optical means 262 is formed at one end of the first image information transmission means 260 and is disposed at the opening near the apex of the casing 166. The optical means 262 is for delivering visible rays generated at the X-ray detecting plate 162 to the first image information transmission means 260 and may desirably be formed of a prism. The first image information transmission means 260 of the present embodiment may desirably be formed of same material as the first image information transmission means 200 in previous embodiments. However, the first image information transmission means 260 may alternatively be formed one of a bore scope, an optical device using a relay lens, an image bundle for an endoscopes and a fiber optic rod, etc. The second image information transmission means 320 is for transmitting the image information received from the first image information transmission means 260 to the image amplification means 500. A portion of the second image information transmission means 320 near the image amplification means 500 has a bigger diameter than a portion of the second image information transmission means 320 near the first image information transmission means 260 in order to amplify the image information. The image acquisition and process means 600 is space apart from the image amplification means 500 as shown in FIG. 12. It is desirable that a housing is formed to cover elements such as the first and second image information transmission means 260 and 320, the image amplification means 500 and the image acquisition and process means 600. The housing is for protecting the elements from exterior condition and may be shaped like a tube type for a convenient handling.

FIG. 13 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the image amplification means 500 is connected to the image acquisition and process means 600 unlike the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an intra-oral fluoroscope according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a third image information transmission means 400 is formed between the image amplification means 500 and the image acquisition and process means 600. As shown in the figure, a diameter of a portion of the third image information transmission means 400 near the image amplification means 500 is bigger than a diameter of a portion of the third image information transmission means 400 near the image acquisition and process means 600 to obtain clearer image information. That is, the image information is amplified by the image amplification means 500 and then reduced while the image information passes the third image information transmission means 400. The reduced image information is then transmitted to the image acquisition and process means 600. The third image information transmission means 400 may desirably be formed of same material as the first and second image information transmission means 200 and 300 in the previous embodiments and may have a same structure as the first and second image information transmission means 200 and 300 in the previous embodiments.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, a size of an intra-oral fluoroscope can be minimized so that a detecting means that detects irradiated X-ray can be easily put into the mouth. Besides because the detecting means can be accurately and securely disposed at an intra-oral affected part, more credible image information on a state of the affected part can be acquired.

In addition, the present invention can provide more detailed image information by minimizing a loss of the image information during a transmission by transmitting the detected image information via optical fiber.

Moreover, the intra-oral fluoroscope according to the present invention provides static or moving image information on the state of the affected part on a real time base so that a more accurate examination and diagnosis can be clone. Besides, a dentist can perform an dental treatment witching the image information.

Claims

1. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

2. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the image amplification means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

3. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from -the first image information transmission means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the image amplification means; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information! and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

4. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; a light collecting means for collecting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the light collecting means! a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the image amplification means! an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information! and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

5. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a plurality of detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth! a plurality of first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information! a plurality of image acquisition and process means for acquiring the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means and processing the acquired image information separately by each image acquisition and process means or simultaneously as a whole of the plurality of image acquisition and process means and then transmitting the processed image information! and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from each of the image acquisition and process means.

6. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a plurality of first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information; a plurality of image acquisition and process means for acquiring the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means and processing the acquired image information separately by each image acquisition and process means or simultaneously as a whole of the plurality of image acquisition and process means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from each of the image acquisition and process means.

7. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the detected image information and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

8. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a plurality of image acquisition and process means for acquiring the detected image information and processing the acquired image information separately by each image acquisition and process means or simultaneously as a whole of the plurality of image acquisition and process means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

9. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information, the first image information transmission means having an optical means disposed at one end adjacent to the detecting means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means! an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the image amplification means and then transmitting the processed image information, the image acquisition and process means spaced apart from the image amplification means; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

10. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information, the first image information transmission means having an optical means disposed at one end adjacent to the detecting means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the image amplification means and then transmitting the processed image information, the image acquisition and process means connected to the image amplification means; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

11. An intra-oral fluoroscope that can photograph an intra-oral state by transmitting and collecting X-rays, comprising: a detecting means for detecting the X-rays image information transmitted into a mouth; a first image information transmission means for transmitting the detected image information, the first image information transmission means having an optical means disposed at one end adjacent to the detecting means; a second image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means; an image amplification means for amplifying the image information transmitted from the second image information transmission means; a third image information transmission means for transmitting the image information transmitted from the image amplification means; an image acquisition and process means for acquiring and processing the image information transmitted from the third image information transmission means and then transmitting the processed image information; and a driving means including a display unit for displaying the image information transmitted from the image acquisition and process means.

12. The intra-oral fluoroscope according to claim 1, wherein a radiation cutoff plate is formed around an outer surface of the first image information transmission means to protect the image acquisition and process means from X- ray radiation.

13. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 1-8, wherein the detecting means is formed one of a fluorescent screen and a faceplate coated with fluorescent material.

14. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 1-6, wherein the first image information transmission means is formed one of optical fiber and optical fiber taper .

15. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 9-11, wherein the first image information transmission means is formed one of optical fiber and optical fiber taper.

16. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 1-11, wherein the image acquisition and process means is CCD camera.

17. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 1-11, wherein the image acquisition and process means is selected from the group consisting of a CCD, a CMOS, a camcorder, a digital camera, an area detector, a line detector, a scan detector, a hybrid detector, a storage phosphor image plate, a photo diode and TFT.

18. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 3 and 9-11, wherein the second image information transmission means is formed one of optical fiber and optical fiber taper.

19. The intra-oral fluoroscope according to claim 11, wherein the third image information transmission means is formed one of optical fiber and optical fiber taper.

20. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 9-11, wherein the detecting means includes a casing and a X-ray detecting plate, the casing having a shape of either a cone or a pyramid, the X-ray detecting plate disposed at a bottom of the casing and formed one of a fluorescent screen and a faceplate coated with fluorescent material.

21. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 9-11, wherein the optical means is formed of a prism.

22. The intra-oral fluoroscope as in any of the claims 9-11, wherein a lens is disposed between the first and second image information transmission means in order to magnify the image information transmitted from the first image information transmission means.