Dental Camera Handpiece Single Filter Multi-Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental camera handpieces face challenges in implementing multiple diagnostic recording modes simultaneously due to the need for different spectral compositions of light for each mode, leading to a complex mechanical structure and increased susceptibility to errors, as well as delayed mode changes.
Innovation Solution
A dental camera handpiece with a single filter designed to have a bandpass for visible light and another for the infrared range, separated by a stop band, allowing for quick changes between recording modes by adjusting the lighting, enabling the capture of identical image areas for easy comparison and combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple diagnostic recording modes are implemented simultaneously with separate filters for each mode, then the measurement precision and diagnostic capability are improved, but the device complexity and susceptibility to errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diagnostic recording modes (white light imaging, fluorescence diagnostics, and transillumination) into a single camera handpiece with a unified optical system. Instead of using separate filters for each mode, the invention integrates all diagnostic functions through one common optical path, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining diagnostic precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera handpiece is designed as a universal device that performs multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously. The single optical system can capture images in different spectral ranges (visible light, ultraviolet for fluorescence, and infrared for transillumination) without requiring separate specialized equipment for each diagnostic mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable or adjustable filters are used for different recording modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to delayed mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter switching system with an electronic control system. Different recording modes are activated by electronically controlling the illumination sources (white light, UV, infrared) rather than physically changing filters, enabling instantaneous mode transitions without mechanical delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or selective activation of different illumination sources to achieve different recording modes. By controlling which light source is active at any given moment, the system can rapidly switch between diagnostic modes without physical filter changes.
3Device complexity
If a single optical system is used for all recording modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to the need to capture different wavelength ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains measurement precision by dynamically changing the spectral parameters of the illumination sources rather than using a fixed optical system. The white light source provides broad spectrum illumination, the UV source provides specific excitation wavelengths for fluorescence, and the infrared source provides wavelengths optimized for transillumination, allowing each mode to operate at optimal spectral parameters.
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 quick and efficient switching between recording modes, facilitating comprehensive non-contact caries diagnosis with minimal delay and increased image quality by using a common filter for all modes, reducing mechanical complexity and error susceptibility.
Implementation Method 1
the filter has a transmission spectrum with a first bandpass that essentially corresponds to the wavelength range of visible light and a second bandpass whose wavelengths extend into the infrared range, with a stopband separating the two bandpasses
Implementation Method 2
light in the infrared range, and when this scattered infrared radiation, which is essentially unchanged with respect to its wavelength, is also captured
Implementation Method 3
carious tooth tissue fluoresces when illuminated with excitation radiation of a suitable wavelength and emits light in the form of fluorescence radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dental camera handpiece (100) for creating intraoral images, which dental camera handpiece comprises: illuminating means (10) for illuminating an object located in front of an entry window (9) of the camera handpiece (100); an optical system (15) for imaging the object onto an image sensor (20); and a digital image sensor (20) for capturing the object imaged onto the sensor (20) by means of the optical system (15), the illuminating means (10) being designed to illuminate the object located in front of the entry window (9) of the camera handpiece (100) in accordance with three different capturing modes. The optical system (15) has a filter (16) arranged upstream of the image sensor (20), which filter can be used in general for all three capturing modes.