Intraoral camera with imaging capability and UV LED

Abstract

An intraoral camera equipped with imaging capabilities and UV LED technology enhances visibility and accessibility during dental procedures. The device features six white LED lights at its tip to ensure adequate illumination of the working area. It can be utilized during dental operations, with an air outlet at the tip designed to clean the camera lens from water droplets and debris. The wired design eliminates the need for an internal battery, reducing the device's weight. Additionally, a built-in microphone at the tip allows audio recording of the dentist's explanations. The inclusion of a UV LED at the tip enables resin-based restorations to be cured effectively. Compared to similar devices, this design integrates image processing capabilities, which facilitate the detection of dental caries, thereby enhancing the quality of treatment.

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention : Intraoral Camera with Imaging Capability and UV LEDTechnical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dentistry, aiming to provide enhanced visibility and accessibility with appropriate magnification for caries detection and curing resin-based restorations.Background Art

[0002] Existing Inventions:

[0003] 1- Intraoral and Extraoral Camera with Microphone (Application No. 38311267)

[0004] This invention utilizes a camera for photography and a microphone for sound recording. However, it differs from the proposed invention as it lacks the capability to be used during dental procedures and does not include image processing for caries detection. Furthermore, this device does not feature a UV LED.

[0005] 2- Reusable Tongue Depressor with Camera, Flashlight, and Body Temperature Sensor (Application No. 139550140003008946)

[0006] This invention incorporates a flashlight and camera to provide suitable visibility for examining the throat and oral cavity of patients. Its application is in a different field and does not relate to dental procedures. Moreover, it lacks audio recording capability, image processing, and UV LED functionality.

[0007] International Patents Related to Intraoral Cameras: a. 2011120882: Intraoral Camera b. WO / 2010 / 057336: An Auto-focus Intraoral Camera with Liquid Lens c. 105640484: Intraoral Endoscopic Camera Device d. 20130203010: Intraoral Camera for Dental Chairs e. 2016209232: Imaging Device and Intraoral Cameraf. 20230210356: Handheld Intraoral Dental 3D Camera

[0008] These patents describe intraoral cameras equipped with imaging capabilities and one or more LEDs for proper lighting. However, these designs lack an air outlet for lens cleaning during procedures, making them unsuitable for real-time use in dental operations. Additionally, these devices do not include image processing for caries detection or UV LEDs for curing resin-based restorations.

[0009] International Products Related to Intraoral Cameras: a. Lensiora HD Intraoral Camera b. MouthWatch Intraoral Camera c. 5M Wired Intraoral Camera d. CamX Polaris Intraoral Camera

[0010] None of these products include an air outlet to clean the camera lens from water droplets and debris during dental procedures. They also lack image processing capabilities for caries detection and UV LEDs for curing resin-based restorations.

[0011] Additionally, some of these products are wireless, which increases their weight due to the inclusion of an internal battery. In contrast, the proposed design uses a wired connection, reducing the overall weight of the device and improving usability during extended procedures.Technical Problem

[0012] One of the most critical factors in providing dental care and treatments is achieving proper visibility and access within the oral cavity. This visibility and access can be achieved in various ways. The simplest method involves the use of an intraoral mirror. However, with technological advancements and the growing emphasis on improving treatment quality, the need for magnification and appropriate lighting has become increasingly important. Microscopes, loupes, and intraoral cameras are tools that address this need.

[0013] In addition to providing proper visibility and access, the physical comfort of the dentist during procedures plays a significant role in the efficiency of service delivery. By using an intraoral camera that projects magnified and high-qualityimages of the tooth being worked on onto a monitor in front of the dentist, the dentist can maintain a straight posture of the neck and head, avoiding fatigue during the procedure.

[0014] Currently available microscopes, loupes, and intraoral cameras are expensive. Moreover, existing intraoral cameras lack the ability to capture images or record audio during procedures. Consequently, dentists often require additional devices and tools to achieve optimal magnification during work.

[0015] Another limitation of current intraoral cameras is the absence of air outlets at their tips. During procedures like tooth preparation, water droplets and tooth debris accumulate on the camera lens, obstructing visibility. Therefore, these products cannot be used effectively during dental procedures, such as tooth preparation.

[0016] Caries detection is one of the most critical factors in ensuring treatment quality. If decayed tooth tissue remains after preparation and restoration, it can lead to recurrent tooth issues over time, threatening the vitality of the tooth. Additionally, patients incur additional costs. Currently, none of the available devices feature image processing capabilities for caries detection.

[0017] Resin-based restorations, such as composites, require UV light curing. This necessitates a separate device to cure resin restorations, leading to additional costs and operational inefficiencies.Solution to Problem

[0018] Visibility, access, and the dentist's posture are among the most important factors in providing dental services. Water droplets and tooth debris during dental procedures (such as tooth preparation) lead to reduced or lost visibility for the dentist. Consequently, the dentist is frequently forced to clean the intraoral mirror. Caries detection and their complete removal are among the most critical factors in treatment quality. Currently, tactile methods or caries staining are used for detection, which may lack sufficient accuracy. Resin-based materials (such as composites) used for tooth restoration require UV light curing, which necessitates a separate device as a UV light source.

[0019] In the current design, six LEDs around the camera lens provide lighting for the environment. The Full HD camera ensures high-quality images and videos for treatment documentation. The air outlet at the device's tip drives away water droplets and tooth debris, thus cleaning the lens during the dental procedure. This enables the dentist to use the device during treatment. The camera’s autofocus and adjustable magnification allow the dentist to produce high-quality images and videos, making it possible to see treatment details from all angles.

[0020] Additionally, the dentist can provide explanations while recording a video, as the microphone embedded in the device's tip records sound for content creation, whether for advertising, educational purposes, or documentation in the patient's file.

[0021] This design incorporates a UV LED at the device's tip, allowing the dentist to cure resin-based restorations by switching the device mode through a button on the body. This eliminates the need for a separate device and additional costs. With the image processing capability integrated into this design, dental caries can be intelligently identified, eliminating unnecessary removal of healthy tooth tissue.Advantageous Effects of Invention a. Usable during dental procedures due to the air outlet at the tip of the device, which clears water droplets and tooth debris from the camera lens. b. Equipped with a UV LED for curing resin-based restorations, reducing costs associated with purchasing additional equipment. c. Features image processing capability for detecting dental caries.Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 : A general and 3D view of the device, including the cable carrying high-pressure air and power supply.

[0023] Figure 2: A 3D and general view of the device alone.

[0024] Figure 3: A 3D view and three perspectives from the front, top, and side of the device.

[0025] Figure 4: A 3D view of the dental unit, showing the device mounted on it and a monitor next to the unit displaying the camera output.

[0026] Figure 5: A 3D exploded view of the device, showing the following components:1 . Main body of the device2. Angled rear section of the body for easier mounting on the dental unit table3. Input port for the cable carrying high-pressure air and power supply4. Space for installing UV LED lamps5. High-pressure air outlets6. Microphone installation location7. Camera installation location8. Location for installing white and yellow LED lights9. Scroll for adjusting the camera magnification10. UV LED lamp1 1 . ESP8266 control and programming board12. SD card reader module13. Camera module14. White LED lamp15. Yellow LED lamp16. Sound recording module17. Control button module18.0n / off button location19. UV lamp activation button location20. Orange light filter button location21 . Photo and video recording button location22. Air flow on / off button location

[0027] Figure 6: A 3D view and three perspectives from the front, top, and side of the camera module.

[0028] Figure 7: A 3D view and three perspectives from the front, top, and side of the ESP8266 control and programming board.

[0029] Figure 8: A 3D view and three perspectives from the front, top, and side of the white, yellow, and UV LED lamps.

[0030] Figure 9: A 3D view and three perspectives from the front, top, and side of the SD card reader module.

[0031] Figure 10: A 3D view and three perspectives from the front, top, and side of the sound recording module.

[0032] Figure 1 1 : A 3D view and three perspectives from the front, top, and side of the control button module.Description of Embodiments

[0033] The schematics display the proposed design of the intraoral camera with realtime imaging capabilities and UV LED, showcasing the precise placement of its components. Below is an explanation of each part:

[0034] This design includes a device that can be mounted on a dental unit.

[0035] The device contains a camera that performs imaging and photography and saves the captured data via an SD card.

[0036] Around the camera are several LED lights arranged in a ring, with white and yellow lights that can be activated as needed. Additionally, the device contains a sound recording microphone installed within its body.

[0037] At the top of the device, a space is allocated for the installation of three UV LED lamps that can be activated as required.

[0038] On the side of the device body, a scroll is available to adjust the camera's magnification.

[0039] On the main body, there are several buttons to control the activation and deactivation of various elements, including the lamps and camera.

[0040] Below the camera, high-pressure air outlets are located, which expel air from the device to clear water droplets and tooth debris from the lens.

[0041] At the back of the device, an input tube connects, containing both power supply cables and high-pressure air input from the compressor.

[0042] The main body has an angled base at its rear to facilitate stable placement on the dental unit table.

[0043] This system is controlled and programmed using an ESP8266 control and programming board.Examples

[0044] First, the device is activated, allowing the oral cavity to be examined with various magnification levels to view detailed areas. Then, by pressing a button on the device body, air is released from the outlet located at the tip, continuously clearing water droplets and tooth debris produced by turbine spray during preparation from the camera lens. During tooth preparation, the device uses image processing to detect dental caries, assisting the dentist in complete removal while preventing unnecessary tissue removal. Finally, the resin restoration used for tooth repair is cured with the UV LED. Sound and video of all these steps are recorded by the microphone and camera.Industrial Applicability

[0045] This invention is used in the field of dentistry to improve the treatment process, enhance visibility and accessibility, achieve educational goals, and document patient information by recording sound and video during treatment. It also facilitates caries detection through image processing.

Claims

Claims

1. An intraoral camera with the capability of imaging, sound recording during operation, image processing, and equipped with UV LED, comprising: a. Input port for the cable carrying high-pressure air and power into the device b. Space for installing UV LED lamps c. High-pressure air outlet vents d. UV LED lamp e. White LED lamp f. Orange LED lamp g. Sound recording module h. Control button module wherein below the camera are high-pressure air outlet vents that expel air from the compressor into the device at high pressure and the air exiting these vents clears water droplets and tooth particles from the camera lens during dental procedures.

2. The intraoral camera according to claim 1 , the device includes a camera that performs imaging and photography and the camera saves the captured data via an SD card and a sound recording speaker is installed inside the body, recording the dentist's voice during operation.

Images