Dental Arch Image Analysis Using Patient-Captured Neural Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthodontic treatments require manual analysis of dental arch images by orthodontists, which is inefficient and inconvenient for patients.

Innovation Solution

A method using deep learning devices, such as neural networks, to analyze dental arch images, combined with a process to enrich a training database by allowing patients to capture and process their own images under controlled conditions, enabling automatic and comprehensive image analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual analysis of dental arch images by orthodontists is used, then analysis accuracy is maintained, but analysis efficiency and patient convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis efficiencyVSAvoidanalysis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables patients to capture their own dental arch images using mobile devices and automatically analyzes them through the deep learning system, eliminating the need for professional assistance in image capture and initial analysis, thereby dramatically improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy through automated deep learning evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical analysis process by orthodontists with an automated deep learning system that uses neural networks to automatically evaluate dental arch images, substituting human manual inspection with algorithmic image processing and analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If deep learning devices are used to analyze dental arch images, then analysis speed and automation are improved, but the need for comprehensive training data and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis automationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing, preprocessing, and preparing dental arch images before analysis, including automatic image enhancement, normalization, and feature extraction, which simplifies the overall system by handling routine tasks in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The deep learning system segments the complex analysis task into distinct modules: image preprocessing, feature extraction, dental structure identification, and evaluation generation, allowing each component to be optimized independently and reducing overall system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If patients capture their own images under controlled conditions, then professional assistance requirements are reduced, but image quality control and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient convenienceVSAvoidimage processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements rapid image processing techniques that skip unnecessary preprocessing steps by leveraging the controlled capture conditions, directly proceeding to key analysis stages and reducing overall processing time while maintaining quality standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on the captured image characteristics, optimizing processing speed by modifying analysis thresholds, resolution requirements, and evaluation criteria according to the specific image quality and patient conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3893156B1Method of analyzing an image of a dental arch
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 DENTAL MONITORING
  • EP3893156B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3893156B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3893156B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

"Method for analyzing an image of a dental arch" Method for analyzing an image of a patient's dental arch, called "analysis image", comprising: - the acquisition of the analysis image with a mobile phone, the analysis image being in color and chosen from a photograph and/or an image extracted from a film, the acquisition being carried out by the patient;- the submission of the analysis image to a neural network, in order to determine at least one value of an image attribute relating to the analysis image, said image attribute being relating to - a therapeutic situation, or - a position and/or an orientation and/or a calibration of the acquisition device used to acquire said analysis image, or - a quality of the analysis image, or - the brightness, contrast or sharpness of the analysis image, or - the representation of the arches, tongue, mouth, lips, jaws, gums, or a dental appliance, - the position of the tongue or the opening of the patient's mouth or the condition of a dental appliance represented on the analysis image.;