Dental Plaque Fluorescence Imaging for Precise Area Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental plaque detection devices lack the ability to detect dental plaque conditions in detail.
Innovation Solution
A dental plaque detection device that obtains a first image with attenuated blue-light regions and fluorescence from irradiated teeth and dental calculus, using a detector to analyze the content per unit area of fluorescent substances in dental plaque and calculus, employing image processing to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image capture methods are used to detect dental plaque, then the device structure remains simple, but the detection precision and detail of plaque conditions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the captured image into multiple color channels (blue, green, red) and processes each channel separately to extract specific information. By dividing the detection task into channel-specific analyses, the system achieves precise measurement of fluorescent substance content while maintaining a relatively simple device structure that uses standard imaging components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color channel analysis of fluorescent images to detect dental plaque. By capturing images under specific excitation wavelengths and analyzing the emitted fluorescence colors, the system can identify and quantify fluorescent substances in dental plaque without requiring complex spectral analysis equipment.
2Measurement precision
If detailed detection of dental plaque conditions is implemented, then the detection accuracy improves, but the complexity of image processing and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing is segmented into distinct steps: color channel separation, regional extraction (tooth, plaque, calculus identification), and quantitative analysis of fluorescent substances in each region. This segmentation allows detailed detection while keeping each processing step manageable and computationally efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex problem of plaque detection into quantitative analysis of fluorescent substance content by changing the detection parameter from visual inspection to measured fluorescence intensity. This parameter transformation simplifies the analysis while providing accurate, objective measurements of plaque conditions.
3Loss of information
If conventional detection methods are used, then the device operation remains simple, but the ability to identify specific plaque areas and their characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments the oral cavity image into distinct regions (tooth surfaces, dental plaque areas, dental calculus areas) and provides separate quantitative information for each region. This segmentation preserves detailed information about plaque distribution while presenting results in an organized, easy-to-interpret format that maintains operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
By analyzing color channels of fluorescent images, the system can differentiate between various plaque types and their locations based on their distinct fluorescence characteristics. This color-based differentiation preserves detailed spatial and compositional information while maintaining straightforward image-based operation.
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 detailed detection of dental plaque conditions by accurately determining the content per unit area of fluorescent substances, improving detection accuracy and enabling precise identification of plaque areas.
Implementation Method 1
irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength that excites a fluorescent substance contained in the dental plaque and the dental calculus
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental plaque detection device includes: an obtainer (101) that obtains a first image in which a blue-light region is at least partially attenuated from reflected light and fluorescence from a tooth, dental plaque, and a dental calculus inside an oral cavity that are being irradiated with irradiation light of a predetermined wavelength that excites a fluorescent substance contained in the dental plaque and the dental calculus; and a detector (102) that detects, from the first image, a content per unit area of the fluorescent substance contained in the dental plaque and the dental calculus adhering to the tooth. For instance, the detector (102) may generate an HSV image from the first image, and detect, from the value of the Value of the HSV image, the content per unit area of the fluorescent substance contained in the dental plaque and the dental calculus adhering to the tooth.