Dental Imaging Apparatus with Real-Time Multi-View Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extra-oral dental x-ray imaging systems lack efficient methods for optimizing patient head positioning, which is crucial for the quality of acquired images, especially in 2D and 3D imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A dental imaging apparatus equipped with a support frame, gantry, patient positioning arm, and at least two cameras that simultaneously display side and front images of the patient's head, allowing for real-time adjustment of anatomical landmarks and volume projections to achieve precise positioning relative to the imaging apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single-view imaging systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and image quality deteriorate due to inability to simultaneously optimize multiple anatomical planes
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent camera units, each capturing a specific anatomical plane (frontal view, lateral view, occipital view). This segmentation allows simultaneous observation of multiple planes without requiring a single complex multi-functional imaging device, thereby improving positioning precision while controlling device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-plane 2D imaging to multi-plane 3D spatial observation by adding cameras at different positions and orientations. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous visualization of frontal, lateral, and occipital planes, improving positioning precision through comprehensive anatomical reference without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are added to capture multiple views, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera units are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized optical parameters, allowing them to serve multiple functions: individual plane capture, combined multi-plane analysis, and adaptive view selection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each anatomical plane, improving positioning precision while limiting the growth of device complexity through standardized universal components.
3Ease of operation
If real-time multi-plane imaging is implemented, then ease of operation improves for positioning, but use of energy and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of all required anatomical planes simultaneously before positioning adjustments are finalized. This preliminary multi-plane imaging allows operators to plan positioning corrections based on comprehensive anatomical reference, improving ease of operation by providing complete spatial information upfront. Energy consumption is optimized by capturing all views in one simultaneous operation rather than sequential imaging.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a dental imaging apparatus comprising: - a support frame, - a movable gantry that comprises two opposite arms respectively supporting an x-ray source and an x-ray sensor facing the x-ray source, - a movable patient positioning arm connected to the support frame, - two cameras positioned on the gantry arm supporting the x-ray source and on the positioning arm so as to respectively acquire side and front images of a patient' s head, - a display assembly configured to simultaneously display in real time a side image and a front image of the patient' s head taken by the two cameras.