Dental Plaque and Calculus Detection Using Blue-Light Autofluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental plaque and calculus are difficult to identify visually, necessitating a method and device to distinguish them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a light-emitting diode to emit light within specific wavelength bands, generating autofluorescence in plaque and calculus, which is sensed by an image sensor and processed to differentiate plaque and calculus areas based on distinct autofluorescence cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used to identify dental plaque and calculus, then the method is simple and quick, but the identification accuracy is poor because plaque and calculus are not easy to identify with the naked eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes autofluorescence color changes to distinguish plaque and calculus. When excited by blue light (380-480nm), plaque and calculus emit yellow-green fluorescence (500-560nm), which is easily distinguishable from normal tooth structure. This optical color change enables accurate visual identification without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a blue light source and a camera sensor to mediate the detection process. The light source excites the autofluorescence of plaque and calculus, while the camera captures the emitted fluorescence, serving as an intermediary between the target object and human observation.
2Measurement precision
If advanced optical detection methods are used to improve identification accuracy, then the detection precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera module that can capture both regular visible light images and autofluorescence images. This multi-functional device allows switching between normal visual inspection and fluorescence-based detection, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the inherent autofluorescence property of plaque and calculus as a self-service detection mechanism. The tissue itself provides the fluorescent signal when excited by appropriate wavelength light, eliminating the need for external contrast agents, dyes, or complex staining procedures that would increase device and procedural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength light sources are used to enhance detection capability, then the detection versatility improves, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a specific wavelength range (380-480nm blue light) that is optimally suited for exciting the autofluorescence of dental plaque and calculus. Rather than using broad-spectrum or multiple wavelength sources, the system focuses energy on the most effective wavelength range, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high detection capability.
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 accurate identification and differentiation of plaque and calculus areas on teeth, facilitating effective oral care.
Implementation Method 1
emitting, by a light-emitting diode, light to illuminate teeth in an oral cavity
Implementation Method 2
the light is used to generate autofluorescence of plaque and calculus on the teeth
Implementation Method 3
sensing, by an image sensor, the autofluorescence of plaque and calculus
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for distinguishing plaque and calculus is provided. The method is used in a device and includes the following steps: emitting, by a blue light-emitting diode, blue light to illuminate teeth in an oral cavity, wherein the blue light is used to generate autofluorescence of plaque and calculus on the teeth; sensing, by an image sensor, the autofluorescence of plaque and calculus; and distinguishing, by a processor, a plaque area and a calculus area on the teeth based on the autofluorescence.