Patent Description:
A dental instrument such as an air turbine handpiece and a micromotor handpiece, as a medical treatment instrument used in dental therapy, is sterilized in preparation for reuse, after it is used in treatment, procedure, or the like of an affected part such as a tooth in the mouth of a patient.

Regarding sterilization treatment of a dental instrument, <CIT> (to be referred to as Patent Document <NUM> hereinafter) discloses that "Near the sterilization machine <NUM>, the reader/writer (second reading writing means) <NUM> is provided, and the information currently recorded is read from the wireless tag T with which the hand piece <NUM> is provided. The management tool <NUM> records the number of times the reader/writer <NUM> reads the identification information on the hand piece <NUM>, in the management information storage means <NUM> for each identification information on the hand piece <NUM> as the number of times of sterilization of the hand piece <NUM>" (see paragraphs [<NUM>]-[<NUM>]). <CIT> and <CIT> both disclose a system for managing temperature information of medical instrument on which a tag is positioned and comprising a reading unit configured to read data from the tags. <CIT> disclose a wireless temperature sensor used to monitor medical instrument sterilization processed.

Patent Document <NUM>: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application, Publication No..

The technique disclosed in Patent Document <NUM> fails, however, to recognize that a sterilization treatment in which a medical treatment instrument such as a dental instrument is heated for sterilization has been actually completed. That is, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document <NUM>, completion of a sterilization treatment is recognized when a handpiece (a medical treatment instrument) is brought close to a reader-writer disposed near a sterilizer, which allows the reader-writer to read identification information of the medical treatment instrument from a wireless tag disposed thereat.

This means that the technique disclosed in Patent Document <NUM> has a possibility that, when the medical treatment instrument is just brought close to the sterilizer, completion of a sterilization treatment is erroneously recognized, even though the sterilization treatment has not yet been actually performed. As described above, there is still room for improvement in management of temperature of a medical treatment instrument concerning a sterilization treatment with heating.

The present invention has been made in light of the background described above and in an attempt to provide a dental treatment instrument temperature information management device which can manage temperature information on temperature of a medical treatment instrument with reliability.

A system for managing information on temperature of a plurality of dental treatment instruments, as described in claim <NUM>. In the following, the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device is configured to manage temperature information on temperature of dental instruments.

With the structure described in claim <NUM>, each instrument is configured to comprise a transmission part which is configured to transmit the temperature information, based on a value detected by the temperature sensor; a storage part that is disposed outside the wireless tag, wherein the wireless tag is configured to transmit the temperature information such that the storage part stores the transmitted temperature information, based on the value detected by the temperature sensor.

In the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, the wireless tag is preferably but not necessarily configured to make the storage part store therein the temperature information, when the value detected by the temperature sensor reaches a prescribed temperature range.

With the structure described above, when the value detected by the temperature sensor has reached the prescribed temperature range, the storage part of the wireless tag disposed at the medical treatment instrument can store therein such necessary temperature information. Thus it can be prevented that, even when the detected value has not yet reached the prescribed temperature range, erroneous information on the temperature is stored in the storage part.

In the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, the prescribed temperature range is preferably but not necessarily a temperature range equal to or higher than a sterilization temperature in a sterilization treatment to the medical treatment instrument.

With the structure described above, when a sterilization treatment in which the medical treatment instrument is heated for sterilization, such necessary temperature information can be stored in the storage part of the wireless tag disposed at the medical treatment instrument. Thus it can be prevented that, even when the sterilization treatment has not yet been actually performed to the medical treatment instrument, erroneous information indicating that the sterilization treatment has already been performed is stored in the storage part of the wireless tag at the medical treatment instrument. This makes it possible to prevent that the medical treatment instrument to which necessary sterilization treatment has not yet been subjected is improperly used.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the temperature sensor detects that the medical treatment instrument has reached a temperature range equal to or higher than a sterilization temperature, information indicating that the sterilization treatment has already been performed is automatically stored in the storage part of the wireless tag. Therefore, unlike in the conventional technology, there is no need for a user such as a doctor of a dental clinic or the like to take the trouble of bringing the medical treatment instrument close to the reader-writer so as to make the reader-writer read the wireless tag before and after the sterilization treatment. Failure in storing necessary temperature information in the storage part of the wireless tag can also be prevented.

In the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, the temperature information preferably but not necessarily includes sterilization information indicating the number of times of sterilization which is the number of times sterilization treatments have been performed to the medical treatment instrument.

With the structure described above, it is possible to know, whenever necessary, the number of times of sterilization having been performed to the medical treatment instrument. Thus, how much number of times sterilization has been performed to each of the medical treatment instruments can be checked. Maintenance of each of the medical treatment instruments can also be managed.

In the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, the temperature information preferably but not necessarily includes another sterilization information indicating a sterilization date and time which is a date and time when a sterilization treatment has been performed to the medical treatment instrument.

With the structure described above, it is possible to know, whenever necessary, the date and time when the sterilization has been performed to the medical treatment instrument. The latest date and time of the sterilization of the medical treatment instrument can be thereby checked. Maintenance of each of the medical treatment instruments can also be managed.

In the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, the prescribed temperature range is preferably but not necessarily a temperature range within which a temperature is not suitable for storing the medical treatment instrument.

With the structure described above, when the medical treatment instrument has a temperature within a range too high or too low to be stored in good condition within which a temperature of a surrounding environment of the medical treatment instrument during transportation after shipment or during storage is not appropriate, the storage part of the wireless tag can store therein information indicating that the temperature is not suitable for storing the medical treatment instrument. Similarly, when, for example, a motor or any other component of the medical treatment instrument generates abnormal heat, the storage part of the wireless tag stores therein such temperature information. Thus, when performance of the medical treatment instrument is decreased or a periodic maintenance thereof is carried out, for example, a manufacture reads the temperature information stored in the storage part of the wireless tag and can make use of the information for finding cause of a failure or the like. This makes it possible to smoothly fix or maintain the medical treatment instrument.

In the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, the value detected by the temperature sensor is preferably but not necessarily stored successively in the storage part.

With the structure described above, a temperature history along with passage of time of each of the medical treatment instruments can be managed.

In the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, the wireless tag preferably but not necessarily has a battery built therein.

With the structure described above, the wireless tag can obtain a value detected by the temperature sensor any time when necessary, with power supplied by the battery. Therefore, wherever the medical treatment instrument is placed, the wireless tag can make the storage part store therein temperature information on temperature of the medical treatment instrument.

The medical treatment instrument temperature information management device preferably but not necessarily further includes a wireless power feeder which supplies power to the wireless tag without contact thereto.

With the structure described above, the wireless tag can obtain a value detected by the temperature sensor through power supply from the wireless power feeder. This makes it possible for the wireless tag to have a simple and compact structure. This also allows the wireless tag to make the storage part store therein temperature information on temperature of the medical treatment instrument as long as the wireless tag can receive power from the wireless power feeder.

With the structure described above, temperature information on temperature of each of the medical treatment instruments can be managed with reliability.

In medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, at least an antenna of the reading unit is preferably but not necessarily disposed on a hanger of the dental treatment apparatus. The hanger is used for holding the dental instrument.

With the structure described above, the medical treatment instrument is held in the hanger of the dental treatment apparatus when the medical treatment instrument is used for dental treatment. This allows that the reading unit in which at least the antenna is disposed on the hanger can read the wireless tag disposed at the medical treatment instrument. A user such as a doctor of a dental clinic or the like can thereby know temperature information on temperature of the medical treatment instrument. Thus, for example, erroneous usage of a medical treatment instrument which has not yet been subjected to necessary sterilization treatment can be further prevented.

In the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device, the reading unit is preferably but not necessarily connected to a communication network and is configured to communicate the temperature information with an information processor connected to the communication network.

With the structure described above, the temperature information on temperature of the medical treatment instrument can be checked at the information processor on the communication network. Also, the temperature information on temperature of the medical treatment instrument can be stored in the information processor. Thus, various types of information on maintenance, failure, advice, or the like regarding the medical treatment instrument can be obtained from the information processor.

The present invention can provide a medical treatment instrument temperature information management device which can manage temperature information on temperature of a medical treatment instrument with reliability.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to related drawings.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components common to or similar to those in different drawings, and duplicate description thereof is omitted herefrom where appropriate.

<FIG> is a block diagram schematically illustrating a dental treatment service system <NUM> to which a medical treatment instrument temperature information management device <NUM> is applied, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the dental treatment service system <NUM> includes at least one unit of a dental treatment apparatus <NUM> which is installed in a treatment room of a dental clinic. The dental treatment service system <NUM> also includes a sterilizer <NUM> which performs a sterilization treatment by heating, to a dental instrument (which may also be simply referred to as an "instrument" hereinafter) <NUM> as a medical treatment instrument.

The dental treatment apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus used when dental treatment is provided to a patient, and includes, as major components thereof: a main unit <NUM>; a hanger <NUM> disposed on the main unit <NUM>; a table (not shown) on the main unit <NUM>; and a patient chair (not shown).

The hanger <NUM> of the dental treatment apparatus <NUM> includes a plurality of holders <NUM>, each of which holds one unit of the respective instruments <NUM> (in <FIG>, only one of the holders <NUM> is illustrated).

An air turbine handpiece, a micromotor handpiece, or the like is used as the instrument <NUM>, for example. The air turbine handpiece grinds a tooth by rotating a burr powered by compressed air at high speed, while spraying water. The micromotor handpiece grinds a tooth by rotating a burr powered by an electric motor at high speed, while spraying water. Any other type of instruments may also be used such as an airmatic handpiece driven by an air motor and a scaler.

A commonly known sterilizer such as, for example, an autoclave using high temperature and high pressure steam can be used as the sterilizer <NUM>. The sterilizer <NUM> is installed in a treatment room or any other room.

The medical treatment instrument temperature information management device <NUM> according to this embodiment is a device for managing temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>. The medical treatment instrument temperature information management device <NUM> includes: a wireless tag <NUM> disposed at the instrument <NUM>; and a reader-writer <NUM> which performs communications with the wireless tag <NUM>. The reader-writer <NUM> has a function of reading data from the wireless tag <NUM> as a reading unit, and a function of writing data thereinto as a writing unit.

The wireless tag <NUM> is disposed on, for example, a side nearer to a base end (that is, a side nearer to a joint with a hose) of an outer surface of the instrument <NUM>. At minimum, information for identifying the instrument <NUM> is previously written into a storage part 11b (see <FIG>) of the wireless tag <NUM>. The information on identification of the instrument <NUM> includes a type of the instrument <NUM> (for example, information indicating that the instrument <NUM> is an air turbine handpiece).

<FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of the wireless tag <NUM>.

The wireless tag <NUM> is a non-contact electronic tag using wireless communication. An RFID tag, for example, can be used as the wireless tag <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the wireless tag <NUM> includes: an IC chip <NUM>; and an antenna <NUM> connected to the IC chip <NUM>. The IC chip <NUM> includes: a control part 11a which totally controls the wireless tag <NUM>; and the storage part 11b which stores therein various types of information. The control part 11a used herein is composed of a CPU. Alternatively, the control part 11a may be a control circuit constituted by hardware. The antenna <NUM> is composed of a coil.

The wireless tag <NUM> includes a temperature sensor <NUM> and a battery <NUM>. The temperature sensor <NUM> detects a temperature of the instrument <NUM> or an ambient temperature of the instrument <NUM>. The temperature sensor <NUM> can detect a temperature equal to or higher than a sterilization temperature in a sterilization treatment performed by the sterilizer <NUM> (for example, <NUM> degrees C). The wireless tag <NUM> as a whole is made to have heat resistance of about, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> degrees C. The battery <NUM> used herein has a sealing structure with high heat resistance.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the reader-writer <NUM> includes: a reader-writer main body <NUM> which includes a control part (not shown); and an antenna <NUM> which is connected to the reader-writer main body <NUM>.

The reader-writer <NUM> is disposed in the hanger <NUM> for holding the instrument <NUM>, of the dental treatment apparatus <NUM>. Herein, one unit of the reader-writer <NUM> which can respond to each of a plurality of the wireless tags <NUM> disposed at the respective instruments <NUM> is disposed in the hanger <NUM>. In this case, the reader-writer <NUM> and the wireless tag <NUM> preferably have an appropriate relatively-large communication distance therebetween. Alternatively, the reader-writer <NUM> may be disposed in each of a plurality of the holders <NUM>. In this case, the reader-writer <NUM> and the wireless tag <NUM> preferably have an appropriate relatively-small communication distance therebetween.

Another structure of the reader-writer <NUM> is also possible in which the antenna <NUM> is disposed on the hanger <NUM> or the holder <NUM>, and the reader-writer main body <NUM> is disposed at the main unit <NUM>, a table on the main unit <NUM>, or the like, other than the hanger <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which another unit of the reader-writer <NUM> is disposed at the instrument <NUM> in a container <NUM>. That is, the reader-writer <NUM> is set inside the container <NUM>. The reader-writer <NUM> may be, however, set outside the container <NUM>. Or, another structure is also possible in which the antenna <NUM> of the reader-writer <NUM> is disposed inside the container <NUM> and the reader-writer main body <NUM> thereof is disposed outside and adjacent to the container <NUM>.

Where to dispose the reader-writer <NUM> is not specifically limited. The reader-writer <NUM> may be disposed on, for example, a desk of a user such as a doctor in a treatment room or may be attached to the sterilizer <NUM>.

When the wireless tag <NUM> receives electromagnetic waves radiated from the reader-writer <NUM>, action of electromagnetic induction causes electric current to flow in the wireless tag <NUM>. This allows the wireless tag <NUM> to perform wireless communication with the reader-writer <NUM> and read and/or write (which may also be referred to as "read/write" hereinafter) various types of information on the instrument <NUM>.

The reader-writer <NUM> can read/write various types of information including, for example, usage information such as a use history of the instrument <NUM> and lubrication information such as a lubrication history of the instrument <NUM>, from/into the wireless tag <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the reader-writer <NUM> can read temperature information which is information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>, from the wireless tag <NUM>.

When a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> reaches a prescribed temperature range, the wireless tag <NUM> is configured to make the storage part 11b store therein temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>.

One example of the prescribed temperature range is a temperature range equal to or higher than a sterilization temperature in a sterilization treatment performed to the instrument <NUM> (for example, <NUM> degrees C). In this case, the temperature information stored in the storage part 11b is information showing that the sterilization treatment has been performed to the instrument <NUM>. Specifically, the temperature information includes sterilization information indicating the number of times sterilization treatments are performed to the instrument <NUM>. The temperature information preferably includes another sterilization information indicating a date and time when a sterilization treatment has been performed to the instrument <NUM>. The temperature information preferably includes still another sterilization information indicating a period of time during which a sterilization treatment has been performed to the instrument <NUM>.

Another example of the prescribed temperature range is a temperature range in which a temperature is too low or too high to store the instrument <NUM> in good condition. In this case, the temperature information stored in the storage part 11b includes information on storage within a temperature range within which a temperature is not suitable for storing the instrument <NUM>, such as: a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM>; a date and time at which the value was detected; and a period of time during which the instrument <NUM> was exposed to a temperature within the temperature range.

In this embodiment, both a temperature range in which a temperature is equal to or higher than a sterilization temperature in a sterilization treatment performed to the instrument <NUM> and a temperature range in which a temperature is too low or too high to store the instrument <NUM> in good condition are set as the prescribed temperature ranges.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the reader-writer <NUM> is connected to the communication network NW. The communication network NW is a wired communication network such as a wired LAN, a wireless communication network such as a wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark), the Internet, or the like.

The dental treatment apparatus <NUM> and the information processor <NUM> installed in a treatment room of a dental clinic described above are connected to the communication network NW. The information processor <NUM> installed at a call center at which requests for repair and maintenance of the instrument <NUM> are received, and the information processor <NUM> set up at a manufacturer which manufactures the instrument <NUM> are also connected to the communication network NW. Each of those information processors <NUM> to <NUM> is, for example, a generally-available personal computer (PC), a mobile terminal such as a tablet PC, or the like. The cloud server <NUM> is also connected to the communication network NW.

The reader-writer <NUM> can communicate various types of information such as the lubrication information, with the dental treatment apparatus <NUM>, the information processors102 to <NUM>, and the cloud server <NUM>, each of which is connected to the communication network NW.

Operations of the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device <NUM> in the dental treatment service system <NUM> having the structure as described above are explained with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating outlined steps of a processing of managing temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in step S1, it is determined whether or not a temperature of the instrument <NUM> has reached a prescribed temperature range. That is, the wireless tag <NUM> determines whether or not a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> has reached the prescribed temperature range.

If the temperature of the instrument <NUM> is not determined to have reached the prescribed temperature range in step S1 (if No in step S1), the processing stands by as it is. If the temperature of the instrument <NUM> is determined to have reached the prescribed temperature range in step S1 (if Yes in step S1), the processing advances to step S2.

In step S2, the wireless tag <NUM> makes the storage part 11b store therein the temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>.

More specifically, in this embodiment, if a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> becomes equal to or higher than a sterilization temperature in a sterilization treatment to the instrument <NUM>, the wireless tag <NUM> makes the storage part 11b store therein the sterilization information described above, as the temperature information.

In this embodiment, if a temperature value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> has reached a temperature range in which the temperature of interest is too low or too high to store the instrument <NUM> in good condition, the wireless tag <NUM> makes the storage part 11b store therein the storage information described above, as the temperature information.

The various types of information such as the temperature information stored in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM> is read by the reader-writer <NUM> disposed at the hanger <NUM>, when, for example, the instrument <NUM> equipped with the wireless tag <NUM> is held in the hanger <NUM> of the dental treatment apparatus <NUM>. The temperature information herein is the sterilization information or the storage information of each of the instruments <NUM> and includes identification information for identifying the each of the instruments <NUM>. The information read by the reader-writer <NUM> is transmitted to the dental treatment apparatus <NUM>, the information processors102 to <NUM>, and the cloud server <NUM>, via the communication network NW. The information is then displayed in a display of any of those apparatuses or is stored in a storage part thereof.

A user such as a doctor of a dental clinic can thus make the temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM> display in a display of the dental treatment apparatus <NUM> or the information processor <NUM>, and check up on the information. The temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM> can also be displayed and checked in the information processor <NUM> installed in a call center or the information processor <NUM> set up in a manufacturer.

Such a manufacturer can, for example, check up on temperature of the instrument <NUM> displayed in a dental clinic, using the information processor <NUM>, or can make the information processor <NUM> installed in the dental clinic display an announcement, via the information processor <NUM>. The announcement herein includes, for example: information such as information on repair and maintenance, how to perform an appropriate sterilization treatment, and information on component replacement; and notification such as "Please contact our salesperson". Knowing in advance the temperature information of the instrument <NUM> installed in the dental clinic makes it possible to send a serviceperson of a manufacturer or the like to the dental clinic for adjusting or replacing components before a failure occurs. In such a case, the serviceperson can prepare necessary equipment for exchange or the like before his/her visit, based on the previously-obtained information.

A call center can receive a phone call from a user such as a doctor of a dental clinic or the like, when a failure occurs in the instrument <NUM> of the user. The user such as a doctor of a dental clinic or the like can transmit information such as a claim from the information processor <NUM> set up in a treatment room, to the information processor <NUM> at a call center installed on the communication network NW. When the information processor <NUM> at the call center acquires information on a failure or the like from the dental treatment apparatus <NUM> or the information processor <NUM> in the dental clinic, via the communication network NW, the call center can take appropriate measures against the failure.

The information on temperature of the instrument <NUM> may be stored and managed in the cloud server <NUM> on the communication network NW. As described above, the information on temperature of the instrument <NUM> can be managed in various locations any time.

As described above, the medical treatment instrument temperature information management device <NUM> according to this embodiment includes: the wireless tag <NUM> which is disposed at the instrument <NUM>; and the reader-writer <NUM> as a reading unit which reads data from the wireless tag <NUM>. The wireless tag <NUM> includes: the temperature sensor <NUM>; and the IC chip <NUM> which includes the storage part 11b. The wireless tag <NUM> makes the storage part 11b store therein temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>, based on a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM>.

In this embodiment as described above, the temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM> is stored in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM>, based on the value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> of the wireless tag <NUM> disposed at the instrument <NUM>. Thus it can be prevented that, for example, even when a sterilization treatment for heating and sterilizing the instrument <NUM> has not yet been actually performed, erroneous information showing that the sterilization treatment has already been performed, though in fact it has not been done, is stored in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM>.

The temperature information on temperature of each of the instruments <NUM> can be therefore managed with reliability.

In this embodiment, when a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> has reached a prescribed temperature range, the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM> disposed at the instrument <NUM> can store therein such necessary temperature information. Thus it can be prevented that, even when the detected value has not yet reached the prescribed temperature range, erroneous information on the temperature is stored in the storage part 11b.

In this embodiment, when a sterilization treatment in which the instrument <NUM> is heated for sterilization, necessary temperature information can be stored in the storage part 11bof the wireless tag <NUM> disposed at the instrument <NUM>. Thus it can be prevented that, even if the sterilization treatment has not yet been actually performed to the instrument <NUM>, erroneous information indicating that the sterilization treatment has already been performed is stored in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM> at the instrument <NUM>. This makes it possible to prevent that the instrument <NUM> to which necessary sterilization treatment has not yet been subjected is improperly used.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the temperature sensor <NUM> detects that the instrument <NUM> has reached a temperature range equal to or higher than a sterilization temperature, information indicating that the sterilization treatment has been performed is automatically stored in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM>. Therefore, unlike in the conventional technology, there is no need for a user such as a doctor of a dental clinic or the like to take the trouble of bringing the instrument <NUM> close to the reader-writer <NUM> so as to make the reader-writer <NUM> read the wireless tag <NUM> before and after the sterilization treatment. Failure in storing necessary temperature information in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM> can also be prevented.

In this embodiment, the temperature information includes the sterilization information indicating the number of times of sterilization which is the number of times sterilization treatments have been performed to the instrument <NUM>. This makes it possible to know the number of times of sterilization having been performed to the instrument <NUM> whenever necessary. How much number of times sterilization has been performed to each of the instruments <NUM> can be thus checked. Maintenance of each of the instruments <NUM> can also be managed.

In this embodiment, the temperature information includes the sterilization information indicating a date and time when a sterilization treatment is performed to the instrument <NUM>. This makes it possible to know the date and time when the sterilization has been performed to the instrument <NUM>. The latest date and time of the sterilization of the instrument <NUM> can be thereby checked. Maintenance of each of the instruments <NUM> can also be managed.

In this embodiment, when the instrument <NUM> has a temperature within a range too high or too low to be stored in good condition within which a temperature of a surrounding environment of the instrument <NUM> during transportation after shipment or during storage is not appropriate, the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM> can store therein information indicating that the temperature is not suitable for storing the instrument <NUM>. Similarly, when, for example, a motor or any other component of the instrument <NUM> generates abnormal heat, the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM> stores therein such temperature information. Thus, when performance of the instrument <NUM> is decreased or a periodic maintenance thereof is carried out, for example, a manufacture reads the temperature information stored in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM> and can make use of the information for finding cause of a failure or the like. This makes it possible to smoothly fix or maintain the instrument <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the wireless tag <NUM> has the battery <NUM> built therein and can thereby obtain a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> any time when necessary, with power supplied by the battery <NUM>. Thus, wherever the instrument <NUM> is placed, the wireless tag <NUM> can make the storage part 11b store therein temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the instrument <NUM> is held in the hanger <NUM> of the dental treatment apparatus <NUM> when the instrument <NUM> is used for dental treatment. This allows that the reader-writer <NUM> as a reading unit in which at least the antenna <NUM> is disposed on the hanger <NUM> can read the wireless tag <NUM> disposed at the instrument <NUM>. A user such as a doctor of a dental clinic or the like can thereby know temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>. Thus, for example, erroneous usage of the instrument <NUM> which has not yet been subjected to necessary sterilization treatment can be further prevented.

In this embodiment, the temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM> can be checked up at the information processors <NUM>, <NUM>, and the cloud server <NUM> on the communication network NW. Also, the temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM> can be stored in the information processors <NUM>, <NUM>, and the cloud server <NUM>. Thus, various types of information on maintenance, failure, advice, or the like regarding the instrument <NUM> can be obtained from the information processors <NUM>, <NUM>, and the cloud server <NUM>.

In the embodiment described above, for example, the reader-writer <NUM> reads various types of information such as the temperature information stored in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM>. However, in a case where the various types of information is used only for checking the temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>, a reader (a reading unit) for reading purpose only may be used, instead of the reader-writer <NUM>.

In the embodiment described above, when a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> has reached a prescribed range, such temperature information is stored in the storage part 11b of the wireless tag <NUM>. In this case, however, the value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> may be configured to be stored in the storage part 11b successively. In the above-described configuration, a temperature history along with passage of time of each of the instruments <NUM> can be managed.

In the embodiment described above, the built-in battery <NUM> supplies the wireless tag <NUM> with power. Another configuration is also possible in which a wireless power feeder is provided which supplies power to the wireless tag <NUM> without contact thereto. The wireless power feeder is structured to be attached to the sterilizer <NUM>, the container <NUM>, or the like. When the wireless power feeder is attached to the sterilizer <NUM>, it is preferable that a power transmission coil is disposed inside the sterilizer <NUM> and also that a main body of the power feeder is installed outside and adjacent to the sterilizer <NUM>. This is intended to make sure to supply power to the wireless tag <NUM> disposed at the instrument <NUM> which is situated inside the sterilizer <NUM>.

In the above-described configuration, the wireless tag <NUM> can obtain a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> through power supply from the wireless power feeder. This makes it possible for the wireless tag <NUM> to have a simple and compact structure. This also allows the wireless tag <NUM> to make the storage part 11b store therein temperature information on temperature of the instrument <NUM>, within a range in which the wireless tag <NUM> can receive power from the wireless power feeder.

The medical treatment instrument temperature information management device <NUM> may also be configured to include: a wireless tag which has the temperature sensor <NUM> which is disposed at the instrument <NUM> and detects a temperature or an ambient temperature of the instrument <NUM>, and a transmission part such as an antenna which transmits temperature information based on a value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM>; and a storage part which is disposed outside the wireless tag. In this structure, the wireless tag: transmits the temperature information based on the value detected by the temperature sensor <NUM>; and makes the externally-provided storage part store therein the information. That is, such a structure is also possible in which: the information obtained from the temperature sensor <NUM> is wirelessly transmitted and is stored from the wireless tag into, for example, a storage part of the cloud server <NUM>. The structure described above makes it possible to prevent that, for example, even when a sterilization treatment for heating and sterilizing the instrument <NUM> has not yet been actually performed, erroneous information showing that the sterilization treatment has already been performed is stored in the externally-provided storage part.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for managing information on temperature of a plurality of dental treatment instruments (<NUM>), the system (<NUM>), comprising:
the said instruments (<NUM>), each is configured to comprise a wireless tag (<NUM>) including a temperature sensor (<NUM>) which detects a temperature of the instrument (<NUM>) or an ambient temperature thereof, and a storage part;
a dental treatment apparatus (<NUM>) and, a reading unit (<NUM>), which is configured to read data from the wireless tag (<NUM>),
a wireless power feeder configured to supply power to the wireless tag (<NUM>) without contact thereto,
a sterilizer (<NUM>) configured to allow an instrument (<NUM>) to be placed therein and perform a sterilization treatment thereto by heating, and
a container (<NUM>) configured to allow an instrument (<NUM>) to be placed therein,
wherein the wireless power feeder is configured for attachment to either the sterilizer (<NUM>) or the container (<NUM>), such that when the instrument (<NUM>) is placed in either the sterilizer (<NUM>) or the container (<NUM>), the wireless power feeder is provided within a range in which the wireless tag (<NUM>) can receive power from the wireless power feeder,
wherein, when attached to the sterilizer (<NUM>), the wireless power feeder includes a power transmission coil disposed inside the sterilizer (<NUM>) and a main body of the power feeder installed outside the sterilizer (<NUM>), and
wherein the wireless tag (<NUM>) is configured such that the storage part thereof stores temperature information, based on a value detected by the temperature sensor (<NUM>).