Biofilm Detection Device Using Fluorescence and Optical Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting biofilm in the oral cavity are either ineffective, cause damage to gums, or are too large and cumbersome for easy use.
Innovation Solution
A compact biofilm visualization device with a sensor unit and camera that uses a contrast medium and optical filters to detect biofilm, providing precise location and intensity data for targeted cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a too strong jet of liquid is used in oral irrigators to remove plaque, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but damage to gums occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical cleaning action of strong liquid jets with an optical detection system using UV light and fluorescence to visualize biofilm. This allows targeted mechanical removal only where needed, avoiding unnecessary aggressive cleaning that damages gums.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a contrast medium (fluorescein) as an intermediary substance that binds to biofilm and enhances its visibility under UV light. This mediator allows non-invasive detection and targeted treatment, eliminating the need for aggressive liquid jets.
2Measurement precision
If intraoral camera units are used to record optically detectable conditions, then detection capability is improved, but device size becomes too large for easy use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from a complete intraoral camera system, using only a small sensor unit with UV light source and camera that can be easily inserted into the mouth. The complex processing and display functions are separated into a handheld controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the detection function, using a compact sensor unit that captures optical information without requiring the full complexity of conventional intraoral cameras. The essential imaging capability is preserved in a miniaturized form factor.
3Measurement precision
If UV/blue light is used to illuminate teeth to check for cavities and cracks, then detection of early lesions is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio becomes too low for reliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the fluorescence color change property of the contrast medium, which absorbs UV/blue light and emits light at a different wavelength (520-530 nm). This wavelength shift creates a distinct signal that can be easily separated from background noise, improving the signal-to-noise ratio for detecting early lesions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescein as a contrast medium that acts as an intermediary between the UV light source and the detection system. This mediator converts invisible UV excitation into visible fluorescence emission, creating a strong, detectable signal that overcomes the low signal-to-noise ratio problem.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and space-saving detection of biofilm, allowing for effective parallel or subsequent cleaning, while minimizing damage to gums and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The contrast medium fluorescein has a fluorescence with the strongest intensity at em=520 to 530 nm when it is excited with light ex=465 to 490 nm
Implementation Method 2
an optical long-pass filter, which ideally has a cut-off wavelength of 480 nm to 530 nm and in particular around 510 nm and cuts off signals below this, is preferably placed directly in front of the camera
Implementation Method 3
The sensor unit has at least one LED to illuminate a surface to be detected
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for optically detecting biofilm in the oral cavity, wherein at least one sensor unit is provided, wherein the sensor unit has a camera, which points with its optical detection region into a receiving space of the device and serves to record surfaces that are to be detected.