Ultrasound system and method for creating an ultrasound image

Abstract

The invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method for creating an ultrasound image, with said ultrasound system (100) comprising: a dental object (110) for introducing and positioning in an oral cavity (200), wherein the dental object (110) has one or more active ultrasound measuring reference markers (120), with each being designed to generate a reference wave, corresponding to a reference signal, in the oral cavity (200); and a hand-held ultrasonic transducer (150) which, when applied to the oral cavity from the outside, is designed to generate ultrasound waves in the oral cavity (200) based on a first ultrasound signal and to detect transmitted and / or reflected ultrasound waves and the reference wave generated by the dental object from the oral cavity and to generate a second ultrasound signal based on the detected transmitted and / or reflected ultrasound waves and the reference wave generated by the dental object, wherein the second ultrasound signal represents at least information relating to the dental object.

Description

[0001] Ultrasound system and method for creating an ultrasound image

[0002] Various embodiments relate to an ultrasound system and methods for creating an ultrasound image.

[0003] In general, various devices and methods can be used to image the oral cavity of a human or animal and its surrounding anatomical structures, for example, to diagnose pathological changes in soft and hard tissue within this region. Conventional imaging techniques (e.g., dental film, OPG, DVT, CT, and MRI) are typically used for this purpose.

[0004] Many of the commonly used procedures are based on X-rays and involve additional radiation exposure for the patient. They are therefore used with caution in diagnostics in childhood and are mainly performed when the images are absolutely necessary for treatment. For example, the imaging and measurement of cleft jaws in preparation for surgery is not carried out due to the radiation exposure, among other reasons, even though the imaging and measurement could add significant value to the operation. Mechanical impression methods or, more recently, laser-optical measurements can also be used for tooth imaging and tooth position imaging. However, these procedures either generate a large amount of waste and / or are labor-intensive and / or error-prone.For example, even small amounts of fluid residue on the teeth can distort the results of a laser optical measurement.

[0005] This can result in various disadvantages for the currently common procedures. Imaging procedures based on ionizing radiation can, for example, be limited in their application (e.g. due to pregnancy, claustrophobia), only allow selective detailed imaging (e.g. mainly hard tissue imaging), and / or be associated with radiation exposure (or radiation dose exposure) for the patient. Imaging procedures based on magnetic resonance imaging can, for example, be limited in their application (e.g. due to pacemaker(s), claustrophobia), only allow selective detailed imaging (e.g. mainly soft tissue imaging), and / or be very time-consuming. When making a mechanical dental impression, the accuracy of the impression can be limited by a material and / or by the dentist.Furthermore, such an impression can be associated with high resource consumption and, due to its invasiveness, can be unpleasant for the patient (e.g. due to individual hardening times of the impression materials). The quality of a laser-optical measurement of a tooth position (e.g. imaging accuracy) can be limited by surface contamination and / or surface wetting and can exhibit measurement deviations. According to various aspects, a system can be provided which enables non-invasive measurement of 3D objects in the area of ​​the oral cavity of a human and / or an animal. The system can be easy to handle for a user and / or have a high image resolution and / or have increased resistance to (measurement) artifacts compared to conventional systems. The system enables live imaging, which allows for high flexibility and readjustment with regard toof the imaged volume. In particular, the system can be suitable for enabling three-dimensional representation and measurement of cleft jaws. For example, the system can enable the (sometimes very complex) geometries of cleft jaws to be fully represented. This can support optimal planning of cleft osteoplasty. Furthermore, the system can be used in the follow-up treatment of patients who have already been treated (e.g., operated on) in order to better and more closely monitor the healing process. Thus, the system can enable the healing process to be supplemented, for example, with suitable therapies.

[0006] According to various aspects, a non-invasive measurement methodology can be provided, which can be based on ultrasound (also called sonography) for recording three-dimensional images and for measuring the oral cavity and directly adjacent structures (e.g. anatomical, physiological and / or pathological structures).

[0007] According to various aspects, one or more ultrasound measurement reference points can be placed within the oral cavity. For example, a stationary reference system for precise ultrasound measurement can be implemented in the oral cavity using a bite splint. The oral cavity can then be filled with a suitable (filling) medium. A suitable (filling) medium can be understood, for example, as a medium that is suitable for conducting ultrasound waves (e.g., has low absorption of ultrasound waves within the oral cavity) and can be safely introduced into the oral cavity (e.g., is non-toxic). A suitable medium can be water, for example.

[0008] Subsequently, an ultrasonic transducer (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor) can be used. For this purpose, the ultrasonic transducer can be placed inside the oral cavity. Alternatively, the ultrasonic transducer can be placed outside the oral cavity. For example, the ultrasonic transducer can be applied to the floor of the mouth from below. Thus, the ultrasonic transducer can be configured to generate a first ultrasonic wave inside the oral cavity that corresponds to a first ultrasonic signal (i.e., an excitation signal). Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer can be configured to detect (e.g., receive) a second ultrasonic wave (e.g., a reflection of the first ultrasonic wave) and to generate a second ultrasonic signal (i.e., a measurement signal) that corresponds to the second ultrasonic wave.The second ultrasound signal may, for example, contain information about the oral cavity and / or the bite guard in order to create a 3-dimensional image of a target region within the oral cavity (e.g., the palate) and / or adjacent to the oral cavity (e.g., the floor of the mouth).

[0009] According to various aspects, a bite guard or brace may be provided for insertion into the oral cavity.

[0010] According to various aspects, one or more reference points (e.g., ultrasonic emitters, points visible in the ultrasonic measurement signal, etc.) may be attached to / in the bite guard for calibrating an ultrasonic sensor and / or for correcting the measurement data.

[0011] According to various aspects, a bite guard can be used in the context of an ultrasound measurement of the oral cavity region. Using the bite guard, one or more reference points can be provided in the oral cavity, for example, to calibrate and / or correct the detected (e.g., recorded) ultrasound signals (e.g., in the form of ultrasound measurement data).

[0012] According to various aspects, one or more ultrasonic transducers can be mounted in and / or on the bite guard. The one or more ultrasonic transducers can, for example, be mounted fixedly and / or movably within the bite guard. For example, the one or more ultrasonic transducers can be integrated into and / or on the bite guard. This can, for example, reduce imaging uncertainty, e.g., of the teeth or tongue, due to the more direct measurement. Furthermore, the bite guard can be used to introduce a filling medium into the oral cavity.

[0013] According to various aspects, a combination of a bite splint and one or more external ultrasound transducers can be provided. The one or more external ultrasound transducers can be guided around the patient's head from the outside and / or attached to it. For example, the one or more external ultrasound transducers can transmit ultrasound through the floor of the mouth from below, thus generating an ultrasound wave that corresponds to an ultrasound signal in an oral cavity. This can enable flexible imaging of the oral cavity and its adjacent structures from different imaging positions. Potentially resulting measurement artifacts (or interference) can be characterized and eliminated, for example, using the reference points. This can increase the resolution when imaging through the floor of the mouth.

[0014] According to various aspects, one or more ultrasound transducers can be used to create an ultrasound image of an entire oral cavity and / or its adjacent (soft tissue) structures and / or to measure them. For example, the one or more ultrasound transducers can be applied externally to the oral cavity (e.g., from below to the floor of the mouth).

[0015] According to various aspects, an inlet and / or outlet can be provided for introducing a filling medium (e.g., a liquid and / or a gel) into the oral cavity or for removing it from the oral cavity. The inlet and / or outlet can be coupled to the bite guard, e.g., integrated into the bite guard.

[0016] According to various aspects, an ultrasound system may comprise: a dental object (e.g., a bite guard or a brace) for insertion and positioning in an oral cavity, wherein the dental object has one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markers; and a handheld ultrasonic transducer configured, when applied externally to the oral cavity, to generate ultrasonic waves in the oral cavity based on a first ultrasonic signal and to detect ultrasonic waves from the oral cavity and to generate a second ultrasonic signal based on the detected ultrasonic waves, wherein the second ultrasonic signal represents at least information of the dental object.

[0017] The first ultrasonic signal can be understood as an excitation signal on the basis of which the handheld ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic waves within the oral cavity. Accordingly, the first ultrasonic signal (i.e., the excitation signal) corresponds to the ultrasonic waves (generated in the oral cavity). The second ultrasonic signal can be understood as a measurement signal generated by the handheld ultrasonic transducer based on the ultrasonic waves detected (e.g., received) by the handheld ultrasonic transducer. Accordingly, the second ultrasonic signal (i.e., the measurement signal) corresponds to the detected ultrasonic waves.

[0018] According to various aspects, an ultrasound system may include: a dental object for insertion and positioning in an oral cavity, wherein the dental object includes one or more ultrasonic transducers; wherein the one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to detect characteristics of a portion of an oral cavity above or below the dental object.

[0019] According to various aspects, a method for creating an ultrasound image may comprise: introducing a dental object into an oral cavity; filling an oral cavity with a filling medium; generating ultrasonic waves corresponding to an ultrasonic signal in the oral cavity; and recording (e.g., determining) measurement data from an oral cavity and / or from one or more structures adjacent to an oral cavity.

[0020] Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail below. Figures 1A to 3E each show an ultrasound system according to various aspects.

[0021] Figure 4 shows a method for recording ultrasonic measurements according to different aspects.

[0022] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "fore," "rear," etc., will be used with reference to the orientation of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise. The following description is therefore not to be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0023] According to various aspects, one or more ultrasonic signals can be recorded (e.g., generated, detected). Ultrasound can be defined as one or more (sound) waves, each having a frequency between 20 kHz and 10 GHz. For example, an ultrasonic wave can have a frequency between 1 and 40 MHz. For example, an ultrasonic wave can have an intensity (e.g., radiation intensity, sound intensity) between 5 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 have, for example between 10 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 20 mW / cm2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 30 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 40 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 50 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 75 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 100 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 5 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 10 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 20 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 30 mW / cm 2 and

[0024] 125 mW / cm 2 , 40 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 50 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 75 mW / cm 2 and

[0025] 125 mW / cm 2 , 100 mW / cm 2 and 125 mW / cm 2 , 5 mW / cm 2 and 100 mW / cm 2 , 10 mW / cm 2 and 100 mW / cm 2 , 20 mW / cm 2 and 100 mW / cm 2 , 30 mW / cm 2 and 100 mW / cm 2 , 40 mW / cm 2 and

[0026] 100 mW / cm 2, 50 mW / cm 2 and 100 mW / cm 2 , 75 mW / cm 2 and 100 mW / cm 2 , 5 mW / cm 2 and 75 mW / cm 2 ,

[0027] 10 mW / cm 2 and 75 mW / cm 2 , 20 mW / cm 2 and 75 mW / cm 2 , 30 mW / cm 2 and 75 mW / cm 2 , 40 mW / cm 2 and 75 mW / cm 2 , 50 mW / cm 2 and 75 mW / cm 2 , 5 mW / cm 2 and 50 mW / cm 2 , 10 mW / cm 2 and 50 mW / cm 2 , 20 mW / cm 2 and 50 mW / cm 2 , 30 mW / cm 2 and 50 mW / cm 2 , 40 mW / cm 2 and 50 mW / cm 2 , 5 mW / cm 2 and 40 mW / cm 2 , 10 mW / cm 2 and 40 mW / cm 2 , 20 mW / cm 2 and 40 mW / cm 2 , 30 mW / cm 2 and 40 mW / cm 2 , 5 mW / cm 2 and 30 mW / cm 2 , 10 mW / cm 2 and 30 mW / cm 2 , 20 mW / cm 2 and 30 mW / cm 2 , 5 mW / cm2 and 20 mW / cm 2 , 10 mW / cm 2 and 20 mW / cm 2 , oder zwischen 5 mW / cm 2 and 10 mW / cm 2. According to various aspects, one or more ultrasonic waves can be generated. It is understood that the one or more ultrasonic waves can be represented by an ultrasonic signal corresponding to the respective ultrasonic wave of the one or more ultrasonic waves. Therefore, an ultrasonic wave can also be referred to herein by means of the corresponding ultrasonic signal and vice versa. An ultrasonic wave can be understood as the actual physical (sound) wave that can propagate within a medium or a material. An ultrasonic signal can be understood as a metrological equivalent of an ultrasonic wave, e.g. in the form of one or more characteristics of the ultrasonic wave (e.g. as a measured value). Each ultrasonic signal can contain information (e.g.in the form of data) representing a corresponding ultrasonic wave, such as: an intensity, and / or a frequency, and / or a phase length, and / or a wavelength, and / or a duration (e.g. time delay), and / or a start time, and / or an end time of a corresponding ultrasonic wave.

[0028] For example, the ultrasonic wave corresponding to the ultrasonic signal can be generated based on an ultrasonic signal. For example, the ultrasonic signal corresponding to the ultrasonic wave can be generated (e.g., determined, measured, detected) based on an ultrasonic wave. "Coupling an ultrasonic signal into a medium or material" can be understood as generating an ultrasonic wave in the medium or material that corresponds to the ultrasonic signal.

[0029] An ultrasonic transducer can be referred to herein as a component that can convert ultrasonic waves into ultrasonic signals and vice versa. For example, an ultrasonic transducer can be configured to emit one or more ultrasonic signals in the form of one or more ultrasonic waves into a medium. Such an ultrasonic transducer can, for example, have one or more ultrasonic emitters (e.g., consist thereof). For example, an ultrasonic transducer can be configured to receive one or more ultrasonic waves within a medium and / or from a medium and convert the received one or more ultrasonic waves into a respective corresponding ultrasonic signal. Such an ultrasonic transducer can, for example, have one or more ultrasonic receivers (e.g., consist thereof).It is understood that an ultrasonic transducer can have one or more ultrasonic receivers as well as one or more ultrasonic emitters.

[0030] For example, one or more ultrasonic waves can be generated from one or more ultrasonic signals by means of one or more ultrasonic transducers (e.g., by means of one or more ultrasonic emitters). For example, one or more ultrasonic waves can be generated based on the piezoelectric effect, e.g., by means of a piezoelectric material or a piezoelectric crystal. For example, one or more ultrasonic waves can be generated from one or more corresponding ultrasonic signals by means of the piezoelectric effect. For example, one or more ultrasonic waves can be received as one or more corresponding ultrasonic signals by means of one or more ultrasonic transducers (e.g., by means of one or more ultrasonic receivers). For example, the one or more received ultrasonic waves can be converted into one or more corresponding ultrasonic signals.Generating ultrasonic signals or detecting ultrasonic signals can be understood as a process that can include receiving (e.g., detecting) one or more ultrasonic waves and converting the received one or more ultrasonic waves into the corresponding ultrasonic signals. For example, one or more ultrasonic transducers can be configured to detect ultrasonic signals. For example, ultrasonic waves can be converted into ultrasonic signals based on the piezoelectric effect, e.g., using a piezoelectric material or a piezoelectric crystal.

[0031] Impedance, i.e., the resistance that opposes wave propagation, can be important for the propagation (e.g., speed, distance) of ultrasonic waves in a material. In particular, an ultrasonic wave can be (at least) partially deflected (e.g., reflected) and / or partially transmitted at interfaces between two adjacent materials. The respective deflected or transmitted portion depends on an impedance difference at the interface between the two adjacent materials.

[0032] The greater the impedance difference at the interface between two adjacent materials, the greater the proportion of the deflected ultrasonic wave (compared to the transmitted portion) can be. At an interface between two materials with a large impedance difference (e.g., more than 25%, 50%, 75%, or more than 100%), an incident ultrasonic wave can be strongly deflected (e.g., by more than 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or more than 95%). For example, this difference can be particularly pronounced between a gas (e.g., air) and a liquid (e.g., water).

[0033] The smaller the impedance difference at the interface between the two adjacent materials, the smaller the proportion of the deflected ultrasonic wave (compared to the transmitted portion) can be. Furthermore, due to the high impedance difference, the direction of the deflected portion of the ultrasonic wave can change more significantly during the transition from a first material to a second material of the two adjacent materials than with a smaller impedance difference.

[0034] According to various aspects, a filling medium can be used that prevents the formation of air bubbles. For example, the filling medium can be used to fill a cavity filled with a gas. This can enable ultrasonic wave conduction within the cavity. For example, the filling medium can be configured such that an intensity of an ultrasonic wave is reduced by the filling medium to less than 50%, for example over a (one-way) travel distance of more than 5 m. For example, the filling medium can be water and thus reduce an intensity of the ultrasonic wave by 50% over a travel distance of 6 m. For example, the filling medium can be configured such that an intensity of an ultrasonic wave is reduced by the filling medium to less than 1% over a one-way travel distance of 6 cm. For example, the filling medium can have an absorption coefficient of ultrasonic waves of 1 dB / m or less.It is understood that the absorption of ultrasonic waves is frequency-dependent, and the values ​​stated refer to the frequency range relevant for a particular application. For example, the signal strength of an ultrasonic wave (e.g., represented by an amplitude of the ultrasonic wave) may be reduced by less than 5% after traveling 10 cm within the filling medium (e.g., reduced by less than 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or by less than 0.01%). A smaller reduction in the signal strength of the ultrasonic wave may lead to better quality of the corresponding measurement data.

[0035] It is understood that an ultrasonic wave can generally be attenuated when passing through a medium, i.e. the intensity (e.g. radiation intensity) of the wave can decrease. It is also understood that an incoming wave can be transmitted through the interface when it hits the interface and can be reflected at the interface. Absorption of the wave mainly occurs in the volume of the respective medium and therefore absorption (if it occurs) can be neglected. As a result, the intensity of the incoming wave can be split into a transmitted component and a reflected component. For example, a 100% reflected wave has no transmitted component. In other words, the intensity of the wave immediately before reflection (i.e. the incoming wave) can be the same as the intensity after reflection.For a 5% reflected wave, the reflected wave can only have an intensity of 5% of the intensity of the incoming wave. The remaining 95% of the intensity of the incoming wave can form a transmitted portion (i.e., the wave transmitted through the interface).

[0036] According to various aspects, an ultrasonic transducer (e.g., in the form of a transducer) can be configured to detect (e.g., measure) one or more ultrasonic signals. According to various aspects, an ultrasonic transducer can be configured to receive one or more ultrasonic waves and convert them into one or more corresponding ultrasonic signals. For example, an ultrasonic transducer can comprise (e.g., consist of) one or more ultrasonic receivers for receiving ultrasonic waves. For example, an ultrasonic transducer that comprises multiple ultrasonic receivers and / or multiple ultrasonic emitters can also be referred to as an ultrasonic transducer array.

[0037] According to various aspects, an ultrasonic transducer (or a transducer) can be configured to generate one or more ultrasonic waves corresponding to one or more ultrasonic signals in a medium. For example, the one or more ultrasonic signals can be provided to the ultrasonic transducer (e.g., by means of a control device). According to various aspects, an ultrasonic transducer (or a transducer) can be configured to generate one or more ultrasonic signals in the form of one or more corresponding ultrasonic waves in a medium (e.g., emit them into the medium) or convert them. For example, an ultrasonic transducer can have (e.g., consist of) one or more ultrasonic emitters for emitting ultrasonic waves.

[0038] According to various aspects, a travel time of an ultrasonic wave can be determined. An ultrasonic wave can be emitted at a starting point. The ultrasonic wave propagates within a medium at a propagation speed (e.g., the speed of sound). The propagation speed can depend on the medium. The propagation speed can, for example, be represented by the impedance. If the ultrasonic wave reaches an interface of the medium, e.g., where the medium borders a second medium, the ultrasonic wave can be (partially) deflected (e.g., reflected) at the interface. The reflected ultrasonic wave can move back towards the starting point. The ultrasonic wave can be detected at the starting point. The time that has elapsed between emission and detection of the ultrasonic wave at the starting point can be referred to as the travel time.The travel time can be used to determine the distance traveled by the ultrasonic wave between the starting point and the interface. The travel time can be determined, for example, based on the propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave within the medium and the travel time.

[0039] Furthermore, a determined ultrasonic signal can have one or more ultrasonic signal components. A measured value corresponding (to an ultrasonic signal) can have one or more measured value components. For example, a first ultrasonic signal component can correspond to a first measured value component. For example, the first signal component can represent a characteristic of the ultrasonic wave to be determined. For example, a second signal component can correspond to a second measured value component. For example, the second signal component can represent a measurement artifact or disturbance (e.g., distortion, additional attenuation, missing attenuation, etc.) in the signal.

[0040] For example, the second signal component can depend on a property of the measuring system. For example, the second signal component can be determined using one or more reference measurements. For example, the first signal component can be known for each of the one or more reference measurements. A signal that can be determined using a reference measurement can also be referred to as a reference signal. A measured value corresponding to a reference signal can also be referred to as a correction value.

[0041] It is understood that the methods described herein are neither intended to be therapeutic treatment methods nor diagnostic methods per se. However, the methods and components described can be used to obtain measurement data and, under certain circumstances, also insights into a human or animal. While the aspects described herein may support treatment, they are not intended to constitute a curative treatment or diagnosis as such.

[0042] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of an ultrasound system according to various aspects are explained with reference to the attached figures.

[0043] Fig.lA schematically illustrates an ultrasound system 100 according to various aspects.

[0044] The ultrasound system 100 can include a handheld ultrasound transducer 150. The handheld ultrasound transducer 150 can be configured to be applied externally to the oral cavity of a human and / or an animal, for example, to the floor of the mouth and / or a cheek, etc. The handheld ultrasound transducer 150 can be configured to generate a first ultrasound signal in the form of a corresponding first ultrasound wave in the oral cavity. In other words, the handheld ultrasound transducer 150 can be configured to emit a first ultrasound signal in the form of a first ultrasound wave into the oral cavity. For example, the handheld ultrasound transducer 150 can include one or more ultrasound transducers configured to convert an ultrasound signal into an ultrasound wave or to emit an ultrasound signal in the form of an ultrasound wave.The one or more ultrasonic transducers may comprise one or more ultrasonic emitters configured to emit ultrasonic waves. For example, the one or more ultrasonic transducers may each comprise one or more piezoelectric materials.

[0045] The first ultrasonic wave can propagate within the oral cavity. At interfaces within the oral cavity, the first ultrasonic wave can be partially or completely reflected as a second ultrasonic wave. The second ultrasonic wave can travel back toward the handheld ultrasonic transducer 150.

[0046] The handheld ultrasonic transducer 150 can be configured to receive (e.g., detect) the second ultrasonic wave from the oral cavity. Furthermore, the handheld ultrasonic transducer 150 can be configured to determine and / or output a second ultrasonic signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic wave. For example, the handheld ultrasonic device 150 can have one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to convert a (received) ultrasonic wave into an ultrasonic signal or to determine an ultrasonic signal corresponding to a received ultrasonic wave. The one or more ultrasonic transducers can have one or more ultrasonic receivers configured to receive ultrasonic waves.

[0047] Furthermore, the handheld ultrasound transducer 150 can be configured to determine a (total) transit time of the first and second ultrasound waves and / or to provide measurement data on the basis of which the transit time can be determined. The second ultrasound signal can represent one or more characteristics of structures within and / or adjacent to the oral cavity (e.g., by means of the transit time, an intensity, an amplitude ratio of the first and second ultrasound waves, etc.). It is understood that many possibilities are already known for determining sonography data and for performing corresponding evaluations based on the sonography data.

[0048] During propagation of the ultrasonic wave within the oral cavity, the ultrasonic wave can be disrupted (e.g., deflected, delayed), for example, due to air inclusions, density differences, sound velocity differences, (small) impedance differences (e.g., less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or less than 5%), contamination, etc. To correct these disruptions, one or more correction data items can be determined (e.g., measured, detected, recorded, etc.) using the ultrasound system 100. The one or more correction data items can be determined, for example, based on reference signals. The one or more correction data items can each be data sets that have one or more correction values.

[0049] According to various aspects, the ultrasound system 100 may include a dental object 110. The dental object 110 may be an object configured to be placed in the oral cavity of a human and / or an animal. For example, the dental object 110 may be fixed and / or clamped in the jaw of the human and / or animal. For example, the dental object 110 may be configured to be fixed by means of the teeth and / or jawbone of the human and / or animal. For example, the dental object 110 may be a brace and / or a bite guard.

[0050] The dental object 110 can have one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120. The one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120 can be attached to and / or in the dental object 110. The one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120 can each be configured to redirect (e.g., reflect) the first ultrasonic wave (emanating from the ultrasonic handheld device 150) as a reference wave. For example, one, several, or all of the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120 can each be configured to emit a respective reference wave. For example, one, several, or all of the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120 can each have (at least) one ultrasonic emitter. A reference wave can correspond to a reference signal. For example, a reference wave can be a predetermined (e.g.,known and / or characteristic) portion of the first ultrasonic wave that was deflected by the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120. For example, the reference signal can represent a specific impedance difference, e.g., at an interface between two specific media (e.g., between a filling medium and one of the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120). The reference wave can be received by the ultrasonic handheld device 150. For example, the reference wave can be converted into a reference signal (e.g., by means of the one or more ultrasonic transducers, for example, by means of the one or more ultrasonic receivers). Based on the reference signal, one or more correction data items can be determined. The one or more correction data items can be used to improve the quality of ultrasonic signals determined by the ultrasonic handheld device 150.For example, the quality of the ultrasound signals can be improved by means of a measurement value correction.

[0051] The one or more reference markings 120 can, for example, be configured to redirect the first ultrasonic wave in a specific manner (e.g., to reflect it) and thereby generate a specific (e.g., known) second ultrasonic wave—a reference wave. The reference wave can, for example, be received by the handheld ultrasound device 150 and converted into a reference signal. Based on the reference signal, correction data can be determined in order, for example, to calculate out interference from other detected ultrasonic signals. For example, the one or more reference markings 120 can be configured to reflect more than 60% (e.g., more than 70%, 80%, 90%, or more than 95%) of the first ultrasonic wave.

[0052] For example, the one or more reference markings 120 may comprise one or more materials that have a much greater impedance (e.g., more than 50% greater, more than 100% greater, or more than 200% greater) than the medium (e.g., a filling medium, an organic tissue) in which the first ultrasonic wave propagates. For example, the one or more reference markings 120 may comprise one or more metals (e.g., in the form of an alloy), for example, consisting thereof. The one or more metals may, for example, be one or more of the following: aluminum, iron, gold, silver, and / or tungsten. For example, the one or more reference markings 120 may comprise one or more plastics (e.g., ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate)) and / or carbon composites (e.g., consisting thereof).

[0053] Fig. 1B illustrates an ultrasound system 100 according to various aspects. The ultrasound system 100 may include an ultrasound handheld device 150 and a dental object 110. The dental object 110 may include one or more ultrasound measurement reference markers 120 (as previously described). The ultrasound handheld device 150 may include one or more ultrasound transducers 130 (as previously described).

[0054] According to various aspects, an ultrasound system 100 can have a control device 170 for controlling the ultrasound system 100, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1C. The control device 170 can be coupled to the ultrasound handheld device 150 and / or the dental object 110 by means of a first coupling. The first coupling can, for example, have (e.g., be) a data coupling for data exchange and / or an energy coupling for supplying energy (e.g., in the form of electrical energy). The first coupling can, for example, have (e.g., be) a cable connection (e.g., USB cable, coaxial cable, CAT7 cable, CAT8 cable, etc.). The first coupling can, for example, have (e.g., be) a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, infrared, NFC, radio connection, etc.). The first coupling can, for example, be both wireless and wired.

[0055] According to various aspects, the control device 170 can be configured to control the one or more ultrasonic transducers 130. It is understood that an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic handheld device 150 to the control device 170 can typically correspond to an ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic handheld device 150. Furthermore, it is understood that an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the control device 170 to the ultrasonic handheld device 150 can typically correspond to an ultrasonic wave to be generated by the ultrasonic handheld device 150.

[0056] For example, the handheld ultrasound device 150 can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasound signals (corresponding to received ultrasound waves) to the control device 170. For example, the one or more ultrasound transducers 120 can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasound signals to the control device 170. For example, the one or more ultrasound receivers can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasound signals to the control device 170.

[0057] For example, the control device 170 can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasonic signals (for generating ultrasonic waves) to the handheld ultrasonic device 150. For example, the control device 170 can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasonic signals to the one or more ultrasonic transducers 120. For example, the control device 170 can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasonic signals to the one or more ultrasonic emitters.

[0058] According to various aspects, the dental object 110 can be coupled to the control device 170 by means of a second coupling. The second coupling can be configured analogously to the previously described first coupling between the ultrasonic handheld device 150 and the control device 170. For example, the control device 170 can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasonic signals for generating one or more ultrasonic waves emanating from the dental object 110 (e.g., for generating one or more reference signals) to the dental object 110 via the second coupling. For example, the control device 170 can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasonic signals for generating one or more ultrasonic waves to the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120.For example, the control device 170 can be configured to transmit one or more ultrasonic signals to one or more ultrasonic emitters, which can correspond to the ultrasonic measurement reference markings (e.g., can be integrated into them). Thus, for example, one or more active reference signals can be generated from the dental object 110.

[0059] Fig. 2A shows a schematic application of an ultrasound system 100 according to various aspects. The ultrasound system 100 can have a dental object 110 and a handheld device 150 (as described herein). The dental object 110 can be positioned within the oral cavity 200. The dental object 110 can, for example, be fixed within the oral cavity 200 by means of a plurality of teeth 210 (e.g., by biting). An ultrasound handheld device 150 can be applied to the oral cavity (e.g., a floor of the mouth) from the outside (e.g., from below). Thus, one or more ultrasound signals can be coupled into the oral cavity by means of the handheld device, i.e., emitted into the oral cavity in the form of one or more first ultrasound waves 131. The dental object 110 can have one or more ultrasound measurement reference markers 120.The one or more first ultrasonic waves 131 can be deflected (e.g., reflected) upon impinging on the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120, for example, in the direction of the ultrasound handheld device 150 as one or more reference waves 132. Furthermore, the one or more first ultrasonic waves 131 can be deflected at (at least) one interface 220 of adjacent media as one or more second ultrasonic waves 133 in the direction of the ultrasound handheld device 150. Such interfaces 220 can, for example, be surfaces between bone and organic tissue (e.g., soft tissue, mucous membranes, gums, etc.), a first and second organic tissue, a tooth and organic tissue, bone and teeth, organic tissue and a gas, etc. The one or more second ultrasonic waves 133 and the one or more reference waves 132 can be received by the ultrasound handheld device 150.The received one or more first ultrasonic waves and / or the one or more reference waves can be further processed, for example, as described above. For example, images (so-called ultrasound images) of the oral cavity 200 can be created. For example, anatomical structures (e.g., anatomical pathological structures (such as anatomical defects, cleft palate, dental defects, inflammations) and / or anatomical physiological structures) can be detected and / or measured. Thus, for example, an extent (e.g., a volume, an area, and / or a length) of a measured structure can be determined.

[0060] For example, the oral cavity 200 can have one or more openings that can be filled with a gas (e.g., a gas mixture) and thus cannot conduct the ultrasound waves or can only conduct them insufficiently (e.g., insufficiently for sonographic imaging). To close these openings, the oral cavity 200 can be filled (e.g., flooded) with a filling medium 161. For example, the oral cavity 200 can be filled to more than 50% (e.g., more than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more than 95%) with the filling medium 161. For example, the oral cavity 200 can be filled with the filling medium 161 until an interface to be examined is enclosed by the filling medium 161. The filling medium 161 can, for example, comprise (e.g., be) a gel and / or a liquid. For example, the filling medium may have an impedance that essentially corresponds to the impedance of mucous membranes within the oral cavity (e.g., with a deviation of less than 20%).This can, for example, improve the representation of bony structures (e.g. bones) and / or teeth.

[0061] According to various aspects, the dental object 110 can have a filling medium filling unit 160 configured to fill an oral cavity 200 with a filling medium 161. Such a dental object is illustrated, for example, in Fig. 2B. The filling medium filling unit 160 can be connected, for example, to a reservoir. The oral cavity 200 can be filled with the filling medium 161 by the filling medium filling unit 160. Furthermore, the filling medium 161 can be removed from the oral cavity 200 by the filling medium filling unit 160. The filling medium filling unit 160 can be configured to be controlled by the control device 170. For example, a fill level of the oral cavity with the filling medium 161 can be controlled by means of the control device. The filling medium filling unit 160 can, for example, have an inlet for supplying the filling medium 161 and / or an outlet for discharging the filling medium 161. For example, the inlet and outlet can be combined.For example, the outlet may comprise one or more pipes and / or one or more hoses. For example, the outlet may comprise one or more pipes and / or one or more hoses. For example, the filling medium filling unit 160 may comprise a pump configured to supply and / or discharge the filling medium 161 into or from the oral cavity 200.

[0062] According to various aspects, one or more ultrasonic transducers 130 can be mounted on and / or in the dental object 110. Thus, for example, an external ultrasonic handheld device 150 can be dispensed with.

[0063] Fig. 3A illustrates an ultrasound system 100 according to various aspects. The ultrasound system 100 may include a dental object 110. The dental object 110 may include one or more ultrasound transducers 130. The one or more ultrasound transducers 130 may be configured analogously to the above descriptions.

[0064] According to various aspects, the dental object may include, in addition to the one or more ultrasonic transducers 130, one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markers 120, as shown in Fig. 3B. These may be configured analogously to the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markers 120 described above.

[0065] Fig. 3C shows an example of the operation of an ultrasound system 100 without an ultrasound handheld device 150. In contrast to the above description, the first ultrasonic waves 131 can be emitted directly from the dental object 110 (e.g., by means of the one or more ultrasonic transducers 130 (e.g., by means of one or more ultrasonic emitters)). At the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings 120, one or more first ultrasonic waves 131 can be deflected (e.g., reflected) in the form of one or more reference waves 132 in the direction of the one or more ultrasonic transducers 130 (e.g., the one or more ultrasonic receivers). At an interface 220, the first ultrasonic waves 131 can be deflected (e.g., reflected) in the form of one or more second ultrasonic waves 133 in the direction of the one or more ultrasonic transducers 130 (e.g., the one or more ultrasonic receivers).

[0066] The one or more ultrasonic transducers 130 can be configured to convert the received ultrasonic waves (e.g., the one or more second ultrasonic waves 133 and / or the one or more reference waves 132) into one or more corresponding ultrasonic signals. Furthermore, the dental object 110, e.g., the one or more ultrasonic transducers 130, can be configured to transmit the ultrasonic signals to a control device 170. For example, the control device 170 can be integrated into the dental object 110, as shown, for example, in Fig. 3D. For example, the control device can be integrated into an ultrasonic handheld device 150 (not shown).

[0067] Furthermore, the dental object 110 can have a filling medium filling unit 160 for filling an oral cavity with a filling medium 161, as shown in Fig. 3E. The filling medium filling unit 160 can be configured analogously to the above description.

[0068] The dental object 110 can further comprise one or more positioning units for positioning the one or more ultrasonic transducers (also referred to as transducer positioning units) and / or for positioning the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markers (also referred to as reference positioning units). The positioning units can, for example, be fastening structures to which the respective ultrasonic transducers and / or ultrasonic measurement reference markers are / can be fastened. Thus, for example, an individualized (e.g., adapted to the respective patient) transducer and / or reference marker configuration can be provided for each measurement. For example, the one or more positioning units can be attached on and / or in the dental object 110. For example, the one or more positioning units can be mounted so as to be movable relative to the dental object 110.Thus, the respective positions of the one or more positioning units can be shifted. For example, the respective positions of the one or more positioning units can be configured to be changed between two consecutive measurements. This allows, for example, a measurement to be customized, thereby improving the measurement results.

[0069] The following describes a method for recording ultrasound measurements. It is understood that the method can be used, for example, to create ultrasound images and / or to measure anatomical structures (e.g., using interfaces between different adjacent tissue types (e.g., with different impedances)). For example, the anatomical structures can be located in and / or adjacent to an oral cavity. Adjacent can be understood to mean that they can be reached by an ultrasound wave, and that a second ultrasound wave can be generated at a corresponding interface, which can be converted into an analyzable ultrasound signal in an ultrasound transducer.

[0070] A method for recording ultrasonic measurements 400 is shown as an example in Fig. 4. In a first step 401, a dental object can be positioned in an oral cavity.

[0071] In a second step 402, the oral cavity can be filled with a filling medium. This allows air inclusions, which can lead to unwanted and / or disturbing reflections, to be reduced (e.g., prevented). Sound transmission within the oral cavity can be improved by means of the filling medium. For example, the oral cavity can be filled with the filling medium to more than 50% (e.g., more than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more than 95%). For example, the oral cavity can be filled with the filling medium until an interface of interest (e.g., a structure to be examined) is (e.g., completely) surrounded by the filling medium. For example, the interface can be surrounded in such a way that it no longer has physical contact with a gas within a gas-filled cavity.

[0072] Subsequently, in a third step 403, (at least) ultrasonic waves corresponding to an ultrasonic signal can be generated in the oral cavity. For example, the ultrasonic waves corresponding to the ultrasonic signal can be generated externally in the oral cavity (e.g., by means of a handheld ultrasonic device to which the ultrasonic signal is provided). For example, the ultrasonic signal can be coupled into the oral cavity from the inside (e.g., by means of one or more ultrasonic transducers attached to the dental object and to which the ultrasonic signal is provided).

[0073] Thus, an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the ultrasonic signal can propagate within the oral cavity, particularly within the filling medium. The ultrasonic wave can be reflected by structures (e.g., reference markers, anatomical structures, etc.).

[0074] The reflected ultrasonic wave can be detected and converted into an ultrasonic signal. Thus, in a fourth step 404, one or more pieces of measurement data can be determined based on the reflected ultrasonic wave (e.g., from the ultrasonic signal). The one or more pieces of measurement data can each represent a characteristic of one of the oral cavity and / or one of the structures adjacent to the oral cavity. Subsequently, for example, an ultrasound image can be created based on the determined measurement data. For example, the oral cavity, structures within and / or structures adjacent to the oral cavity can be measured based on the determined measurement data.

[0075] In addition, one or more correction data items can be determined to correct the measurement data. For example, these can be determined based on reference signals, as described previously. Based on the one or more correction data items, the measurement data can be corrected (e.g., systematic deviations can be eliminated from the measurement data). For example, this can reduce the uncertainty of the measurement data. For example, this can improve the spatial resolution of the image data. For example, this can reduce the uncertainty of a length measurement and / or distance measurement.

[0076] In the following, some examples are described which relate to what is described herein and shown in the figures. is an ultrasound system comprising: a dental object (e.g. a bite guard and / or a

[0077] A dental appliance (e.g., braces) for insertion and positioning into an oral cavity, the dental object having one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings; and a handheld ultrasonic transducer device which can be configured, when applied externally to the oral cavity, to generate (e.g., first) ultrasonic waves in the oral cavity based on a first ultrasonic signal and to detect (e.g., second) ultrasonic waves from the oral cavity and to generate a second ultrasonic signal based on the detected (e.g., second) ultrasonic waves, the second ultrasonic signal representing at least information of the dental object.

[0078] The first ultrasonic signal can thus be understood as a transmitted signal and the second ultrasonic signal as a received signal.

[0079] For example, the second ultrasonic signal may correspond to the ultrasonic waves from the oral cavity. For example, the ultrasonic waves from the oral cavity may be a deflected (e.g., a reflected) portion of the ultrasonic waves generated by the handheld ultrasonic transducer. For example, the first ultrasonic wave may be deflected (e.g., reflected) at one or more structures within and / or adjacent to an oral cavity (e.g., the dental object (e.g., the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markers), a tongue, a uvula, one or more teeth, a jawbone) and thereby generate the second ultrasonic wave. is an ultrasound system that may comprise a dental object for introducing and

[0080] Positioning in an oral cavity, wherein the dental object has one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference markers, each configured to generate a reference wave corresponding to a reference signal in the oral cavity; and a handheld ultrasonic transducer configured, when applied externally to the oral cavity, to generate ultrasonic waves in the oral cavity based on a first ultrasonic signal and to detect transmitted and / or reflected ultrasonic waves as well as the reference wave generated by the dental object from the oral cavity and to generate a second ultrasonic signal based on the detected transmitted and / or reflected ultrasonic waves as well as the reference wave generated by the dental object, wherein the second ultrasonic signal represents at least information of the dental object.is an ultrasound system according to example 1 or 2, wherein the handheld ultrasound transducer can comprise one or more ultrasound transducers, each configured to generate the ultrasound waves corresponding to the first ultrasound signal from outside in the oral cavity and / or to generate (e.g., to detect) the second ultrasound signal corresponding to the detected ultrasound waves from the oral cavity. is an ultrasound system according to example 3, wherein the one or more ultrasound transducers can comprise (e.g., can consist of) one or more ultrasound emitters, and wherein the one or more ultrasound emitters (e.g., each of the one or more ultrasound emitters) can preferably be configured to generate the ultrasound waves corresponding to the first ultrasound signal in the oral cavity (e.g., when the ultrasound emitters are applied to the oral cavity from outside).For example, the one or more ultrasonic transducers may each have (e.g. consist of) one or more ultrasonic emitters.

[0081] It is understood that from the superposition of several individual ultrasonic waves, each corresponding to an ultrasonic signal (e.g., which are / were generated (e.g., emitted) by one of the several ultrasonic emitters), a new superimposed ultrasonic wave can arise (e.g., the first ultrasonic wave). The superimposed ultrasonic wave can be represented by a superimposed ultrasonic signal (e.g., the first ultrasonic signal). is an ultrasound system according to example 3 or 4, wherein the one or more

[0082] Ultrasonic transducers may comprise (e.g., consist of) one or more ultrasonic receivers for receiving ultrasonic waves, and wherein the one or more ultrasonic receivers (e.g., each of the one or more ultrasonic receivers) may preferably be configured to generate (e.g., determine) the second ultrasonic signal from an oral cavity, for example, based on the received ultrasonic waves. For example, the one or more ultrasonic transducers may each comprise (e.g., consist of) one or more ultrasonic receivers for receiving ultrasonic waves. is an ultrasound system according to one of the examples to 5, wherein the one or more

[0083] Ultrasonic measurement reference markings can comprise a group of active ultrasonic measurement reference markings, wherein the active ultrasonic measurement reference markings from the group of active ultrasonic measurement reference markings can each be configured to generate a reference wave (e.g. an ultrasonic reference wave) corresponding to a reference signal (e.g. an ultrasonic reference signal) in the oral cavity, and / or wherein the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings can comprise a group of passive ultrasonic measurement reference markings, wherein the passive ultrasonic measurement reference markings from the group of passive ultrasonic measurement reference markings can each be configured to transmit a (e.g. first) ultrasonic wave generated in the oral cavity, which corresponds to the first ultrasonic signal, as a reference wave to the ultrasonic transducer handheld device (e.g. to the one or more ultrasonic transducers (e.g.the one or more ultrasound receivers)) to redirect (e.g., to reflect). For example, the first ultrasound wave can strike the one or more ultrasound measurement reference markings and be redirected as a second ultrasound wave, which corresponds to the second ultrasound signal, in the direction of the handheld device. Thus, for example, a position determination of one or more structures can be carried out or improved based on the known positions of the reference markings with respect to the dental object. Thus, for example, a higher accuracy can be achieved. is an ultrasound system according to one of the examples to 6, wherein the ultrasound system further comprises a handheld device positioning unit for positioning the handheld device from the outside to an oral cavity (e.g.,by means of one or more straps, a device on which the head (in which there is an oral cavity) can be positioned and / or fixed, and / or a device with which the head can be fixed). is an ultrasound system according to any one of examples 1 to 7, wherein the dental object has one or more additional ultrasound transducers. is an ultrasound system according to example 8, wherein the one or more additional.

[0084] Ultrasonic transducers can be configured to detect (e.g. receive) ultrasonic waves generated in the oral cavity that correspond to the first ultrasonic signal and thus generate an ultrasonic signal corresponding to the detected ultrasonic waves, and / or wherein the one or more additional ultrasonic transducers can be configured to generate (e.g. emit) and / or receive ultrasonic waves that correspond to the second ultrasonic signal in the oral cavity. For example, the one or more additional ultrasonic transducers can be configured to detect (e.g. receive) one or more first ultrasonic waves that correspond to the ultrasonic signal. For example, the one or more additional ultrasonic transducers can be configured to emit one or more second ultrasonic waves that correspond to the second ultrasonic signal.10 is an ultrasound system comprising: a dental object for insertion and positioning in an oral cavity, wherein the dental object has one or more ultrasound transducers; wherein the one or more ultrasound transducers are configured to detect characteristics of a part of an oral cavity above (e.g., palate) or below (e.g., floor of mouth) the dental object. is an ultrasound system that may comprise: a dental object for insertion and.

[0085] Positioning in an oral cavity, wherein the dental object comprises one or more ultrasonic transducers and one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference markers, each configured to generate a reference wave corresponding to a reference signal in the oral cavity; wherein the one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to detect transmitted and / or reflected ultrasonic waves within the oral cavity, representing the characteristics of a part of the oral cavity above or below the dental object, and the respective reference waves of the one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference markers, representing information of the dental object.

[0086] 12 is an ultrasound system according to example 10 or 11, wherein the one or more

[0087] Ultrasonic transducers may comprise (e.g., may consist of) one or more ultrasonic emitters, and wherein the one or more ultrasonic emitters (e.g., each of the one or more ultrasonic emitters) may be configured to generate ultrasonic waves corresponding to a first ultrasonic signal in the oral cavity. Ultrasound system according to any one of examples 10 to 12, wherein the one or more

[0088] Ultrasonic transducers may comprise (e.g., consist of) one or more ultrasonic receivers, and wherein the one or more ultrasonic receivers (e.g., each of the one or more ultrasonic receivers) may be configured to generate (e.g., detect) the second ultrasonic signal from an oral cavity, for example, based on the received ultrasonic waves. For example, the one or more ultrasonic receivers may be configured to receive one or more (e.g., second) ultrasonic waves corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.

[0089] The second ultrasound signal may represent the properties of (at least) one structure within an oral cavity. For example, in connection with Example 12, the second ultrasound signal may represent a reflection of the first ultrasound waves.

[0090] 14 is an ultrasound system according to any one of examples 10 to 13, wherein the one or more

[0091] Ultrasonic transducers can be movably mounted within the dental object.

[0092] 15 is an ultrasound system according to any one of Examples 10 to 14, wherein the dental object may include one or more transducer positioning units for positioning the one or more ultrasonic transducers. For example, each of the transducer positioning units may be configured such that a respective one of the one or more ultrasonic transducers may be mounted in and / or on the respective transducer positioning unit.

[0093] Example 16 is an ultrasound system according to Example 15, wherein the one or more transducer positioning units can be configured such that the one or more ultrasound transducers can be positioned within the dental object or on an external surface of the dental object.

[0094] Example 17 is an ultrasonic system according to any one of examples 10 to 16, wherein the dental object may include one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markers.

[0095] Example 18 is an ultrasound system according to Example 17, wherein the one or more ultrasound measurement reference markings can comprise a group of active ultrasound measurement reference markings, wherein the active ultrasound measurement reference markings from the group of active ultrasound measurement reference markings can each be configured to generate a reference wave (e.g., an ultrasound reference wave) corresponding to a reference signal (e.g., an ultrasound reference signal) in the oral cavity, and / or wherein the one or more ultrasound measurement reference markings can comprise a group of passive ultrasound measurement reference markings, wherein the passive ultrasound measurement reference markings from the group of passive ultrasound measurement reference markings can each be configured to generate a reference wave generated in the oral cavity (e.g.,first) ultrasonic wave, which corresponds to the first ultrasonic signal, to be redirected (e.g. reflected) as a reference wave to the ultrasonic transducer handset (e.g. to the one or more ultrasonic transducers (e.g. the one or more ultrasonic receivers)). For example, the first ultrasonic wave can strike the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings and be redirected towards the handset as a second ultrasonic wave, which corresponds to the second ultrasonic signal. In this way, for example, a position determination of one or more structures can be carried out or improved based on the known positions of the reference markings relative to the dental object. In this way, for example, a smaller measurement error can be achieved.

[0096] Example 19 is an ultrasound system according to example 17 or 18, wherein each of the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings can be configured to redirect (e.g., reflect) an ultrasonic wave impinging on the one or more ultrasonic measurement reference markings toward (e.g., to) the one or more ultrasonic transducers. Thus, one or more reference signals can be detected (e.g., determined). The one or more reference signals can, for example, be used to correct measurement uncertainties from the received second signal. Thus, a quality of a resulting image (e.g., an imaging quality) or a quality of a resulting length measurement (e.g., a measurement accuracy) can be improved. The ultrasound system according to any one of examples 1 to 19, wherein the dental object can have one or more reference positioning units for positioning the one or more ultrasound measurement reference markers. Thus, redundant measurement points can be generated, for example.

[0097] 21 is an ultrasound system according to Example 20, wherein the one or more reference

[0098] Positioning units can be configured such that the one or more ultrasonic sensors can be positioned within the dental object or on an outer surface of the dental object.

[0099] 22 is an ultrasonic system according to one of the examples to 21, wherein the dental object is a

[0100] A filling medium filling unit can be used to fill the oral cavity with a filling medium. This makes it possible, for example, to fill an air-filled cavity (or similar) with a filling medium that displaces the air. This allows the walls of the now deflated cavity to be examined using the ultrasound system.

[0101] 23 is an ultrasonic system according to Example 22, wherein the filling medium comprises a liquid

[0102] (e.g. is).

[0103] 24 is an ultrasound system according to one of examples 22 or 23, wherein the filling medium

[0104] NaCI with a concentration of 0.1 mol / l to 10 mol / l.

[0105] 25 is an ultrasound system according to any one of Examples 16 to 24, wherein the filling medium is a

[0106] Gel has (e.g. is).

[0107] 26 is an ultrasound system according to any one of Examples 22 to 25, wherein the filling medium

[0108] Filling unit an inlet for supplying the filling medium and / or an outlet for discharging the

[0109] filling medium.

[0110] 27 is an ultrasound system according to any one of examples 22 to 26, wherein the filling medium is suitable for conducting an ultrasound signal of the one or more ultrasound sensors with low (e.g., negligible) loss (e.g., with a signal loss of less than 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or less than 0.01% (e.g., due to absorption)) over a distance of more than 3 cm (e.g., more than 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, or 10 cm). Ultrasound system according to one of the examples to 27, further comprising a

[0111] Control device for controlling the ultrasound system (e.g. an amplitude (e.g. a strength), a

[0112] bandwidth and / or a time delay of the ultrasound signal). Ultrasound system according to example 28, wherein the control device is configured to control a filling level of the filling medium within an oral cavity.

[0113] 30 is an ultrasound system according to one of the examples to 29, wherein the one or more

[0114] Ultrasonic transducers can each comprise a piezoelectric material. For example, each of the one or more ultrasonic transducers can comprise one or more piezoelectric crystals.

[0115] 31 is a use of an ultrasound system to create an ultrasound image of a

[0116] Oral cavity and / or one or more soft tissue structures adjacent to an oral cavity, wherein the ultrasound system is an ultrasound system according to any one of examples 1 to 30.

[0117] 32 is a use of an ultrasound system according to Example 31, wherein the created

[0118] Ultrasound image more than 20% (e.g. more than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or more than 90%) of a

[0119] Surface (e.g. a surface of the oral mucosa, a surface of the tongue, a

[0120] Gum surface, a jaw surface, one or more tooth surfaces, a

[0121] palate surface) within an oral cavity (e.g. an entire oral cavity) or of one or more structures adjacent to an oral cavity (e.g. soft tissue structures, bony structures).

[0122] 33 is a use of an ultrasound system for measuring an area (e.g., within) an oral cavity and / or one and / or more structures adjacent to an oral cavity (e.g., soft tissue structures, bony structures), wherein the ultrasound system is an ultrasound system according to any one of examples 1 to 30.

[0123] 34 is a use of an ultrasound system according to Example 33, wherein the measured

[0124] Area more than 20% (e.g. more than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or more than 90%) of a

[0125] Surface (e.g. an oral mucosal surface, and / or a tongue surface, and / or a

[0126] gingival surface, and / or a jaw surface, and / or one or more tooth surfaces, and / or a palate surface) within an oral cavity or by one or more structures adjacent to an oral cavity (e.g. soft tissue structures, bony structures).

[0127] 35 is a use of an ultrasound system according to any one of examples 31 to 34, wherein a

[0128] (e.g. first) part of the ultrasound system (e.g. the handset) is applied from the outside to an oral cavity (e.g. the floor of the mouth, the cheeks). 36 is a use of an ultrasound system according to any one of examples 31 to 35, wherein a

[0129] (e.g. second) part of the ultrasound system (e.g. a dental object) is positioned within an oral cavity (e.g. between teeth, between an upper jaw and a lower jaw).

[0130] Example 37 is a method for creating an ultrasound image and / or for measuring an oral cavity and / or one or more soft tissue structures adjacent to an oral cavity. The method may comprise: introducing (e.g., positioning) a dental object into an oral cavity; filling an oral cavity with a filling medium; generating ultrasonic waves corresponding to an ultrasonic signal in an oral cavity; and determining measurement data from an oral cavity and / or one or more structures (e.g., soft tissue structures, bony structures) adjacent to an oral cavity. For example, the measurement data may be based on a reflection of the generated ultrasonic waves.

[0131] 38 is a method for creating an ultrasound image, the method may comprise:

[0132] Introducing a dental object having one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference markers into an oral cavity; filling the oral cavity with a filling medium; generating ultrasonic waves corresponding to an ultrasonic signal in the oral cavity; determining measurement data based on transmitted and / or reflected ultrasonic waves from the oral cavity and / or from one or more structures adjacent to the oral cavity; generating ultrasonic reference waves by means of the one or more active ultrasonic

[0133] Measurement reference marks; and determining correction data based on the ultrasonic reference waves within the oral cavity to correct the measurement data.

[0134] 39 is a method according to example 37 or 38, which may optionally further comprise creating an ultrasound image based on the determined measurement data.

[0135] 40 is a method according to any one of Examples 37 to 39, which may optionally further comprise:

[0136] Measuring an oral cavity and / or one or more structures (e.g. soft tissue

[0137] Structures, bony structures) adjacent to an oral cavity based on the measurement data.

[0138] 41 is a method according to any one of Examples 37 to 40, which may optionally further comprise:

[0139] Recording correction data to correct the measurement data.

[0140] 42 is a method according to any one of Examples 37 to 41 which may optionally further comprise:

[0141] Correcting the measurement data (e.g. image data, distance data) based on the correction data.

[0142] 43 is a method according to any one of Examples 37 to 42, wherein an oral cavity is exposed to more than

[0143] 50% (e.g., more than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more than 95%) can be filled with the filling medium. Example 44 is a method according to any one of Examples 37 to 43, wherein the ultrasonic waves can be generated from the outside (e.g., from outside an oral cavity) in the oral cavity. Example 45 is a method according to any one of Examples 37 to 44, wherein the ultrasonic waves can be generated from the inside (e.g., from inside an oral cavity) in the oral cavity.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Ultrasound system (100) comprising: • a dental object (110) for insertion and positioning in an oral cavity (200), wherein the dental object (110) has one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference markers (120), each configured to generate a reference wave corresponding to a reference signal in the oral cavity (200); and • an ultrasonic transducer handheld device (150) which, when placed externally against the oral cavity, is set up to generate ultrasonic waves in the oral cavity (200) based on a first ultrasonic signal and to detect transmitted and / or reflected ultrasonic waves as well as the reference wave generated by the dental object from the oral cavity and to generate a second ultrasonic signal based on the detected transmitted and / or reflected ultrasonic waves as well as the reference wave generated by the dental object, wherein the second ultrasonic signal represents at least information of the dental object.

2. Ultrasound system according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasound transducer handheld device comprises one or more ultrasound transducers configured to generate the ultrasound waves corresponding to the first ultrasound signal from outside in the oral cavity (200), and / or to generate the second ultrasound signal corresponding to the detected ultrasound waves from the oral cavity (200).

3. Ultrasound system according to claim 2, wherein the one or more ultrasound transducers comprise one or more ultrasound emitters.

4. Ultrasound system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more ultrasound measurement reference marks (120) comprise a group of passive ultrasound measurement reference marks (120), each of which is configured to deflect an ultrasound wave generated in the oral cavity (200), corresponding to the first ultrasound signal, as a reference wave to the handheld ultrasound transducer (150).

5. Ultrasound system (100) comprising: • a dental object (110) for insertion and positioning in an oral cavity (200), wherein the dental object comprises one or more ultrasonic transducers (130) and one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference markers (120), each configured to generate a reference wave corresponding to a reference signal in the oral cavity (200); • wherein one or more ultrasonic transducers (130) are installed, transmitted and / or reflected ultrasonic waves within the oral cavity (200), which represent the characteristics of a part of the oral cavity (200) above or below the dental object (110), and the respective to detect reference waves of one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference markers (120) which represent information of the dental object.

6. Ultrasound system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dental object (110) has a filling medium filling unit (160) for filling an oral cavity with a filling medium (161).

7. Ultrasound system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the filling medium (161) comprises or is a liquid, and / or wherein the filling medium (161) comprises or is a gel.

8. Ultrasound system (100) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the filling medium filling unit (160) has an inlet for supplying the filling medium (161) into an oral cavity (200) and / or an outlet for removing the filling medium (161) from an oral cavity (200).

9. Ultrasound system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising, wherein the one or more ultrasound transducers (130) each comprise a piezoelectric material.

10. Ultrasound system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a control device (170) for controlling the ultrasound system, and wherein the control device (170) is preferably configured to monitor the fill level of the to control filling medium (161) within an oral cavity (200).

11. Using an ultrasound system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for creating an ultrasound image of an oral cavity and / or of one or more structures adjacent to an oral cavity, and / or for measuring an area of ​​an oral cavity and / or of one and / or more structures adjacent to an oral cavity.

12. Method for creating an ultrasound image, comprising the method: Insertion of a dental object having one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference marks into an oral cavity (401); Filling the oral cavity with a filling medium (402); Generating ultrasound waves corresponding to an ultrasound signal in the oral cavity (403); Acquiring measurement data based on transmitted and / or reflected ultrasound waves from the oral cavity and / or from one or more structures adjacent to the oral cavity (404); Generating ultrasonic reference waves using one or more active ultrasonic measurement reference markers; and Determining correction data based on ultrasound reference waves within the oral cavity to correct the measurement data.

13. Method according to claim 12, further comprising Creating an ultrasound image based on the measured data; and / or Measuring an oral cavity and / or the one or more soft tissue structures adjacent to an oral cavity based on the measurement data.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising Correcting the measurement data (e.g., image data, distance data) based on the correction data.

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