Adaptive Dental Imaging Illumination for Faster Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dental examination tools lack flexibility and safety, often requiring multiple wavelengths for imaging and generating large data sets, leading to prolonged examination times and potential misdiagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A smart dental examination system with an adaptive illumination system that selects optimized settings for specific dental issues, integrating a light source and imaging system controlled by a processor to minimize data volume and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are used for imaging, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but data volume increases and examination time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the wavelength parameter of the light source based on the detected dental condition. The processor selects specific wavelengths from available options (e.g., 450nm for caries, 530nm for gum inflammation, 630nm for plaque) and configures the imaging system accordingly, avoiding the need to capture images at all wavelengths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection to identify the dental-related problem before conducting the main imaging. The processor first receives data about the dental condition and pre-configures the optimal wavelength settings, so that when imaging is performed, the system is already optimized for the specific condition, reducing overall examination time.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are used for imaging, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but data volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the wavelength parameter based on the specific dental condition detected, capturing images only at the most relevant wavelengths. This selective approach reduces the total number of images and data points collected while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for the identified condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and focuses on only the necessary wavelength information required for diagnosing the specific dental condition. By taking out only the relevant wavelength data (e.g., only 450nm for caries detection) and discarding unnecessary wavelengths, the system reduces data volume while preserving diagnostic capability.
3Illumination intensity
If continuous blue or UV light is used for illumination, then imaging capability is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous illumination, the system uses periodic or pulsed light delivery at specific wavelengths only when needed for detection. The processor controls the light source to emit at particular wavelengths (including safer visible ranges) in controlled pulses rather than continuous exposure, reducing cumulative light damage to dental tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the wavelength parameter to select safer illumination options when appropriate. By offering multiple wavelength choices including visible light ranges (530nm, 630nm) in addition to blue/UV, the system can switch to safer wavelengths for conditions where they are sufficient, reducing exposure to potentially harmful high-energy light while maintaining imaging capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental examination system is presented, comprising: an imaging system for recording a dental image; a light source ; a processor configured to: receive data containing information on a dental related problem; select for the dental related problem a predetermined setting from a set of settings for the imaging system and/or the light source, each setting optimized for imaging a specific dental-related problem; configure the imaging system and/or light source with the selected predetermined setting; recording a dental image using the configured imaging system and/or light source . A method for recording a dental image is also presented.