Optical Alignment for Dental X-Ray Perspective Consistency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental X-ray devices face challenges in providing consistent perspectives, making it difficult to analyze dental changes over time and compare images accurately.
Innovation Solution
A dental imaging system comprising an X-ray source, optical alignment devices, and a dental image processing device that uses a homography algorithm to generate composite images and align the X-ray source with the mouthpiece, ensuring consistent perspectives and facilitating accurate comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If typical dental X-ray devices are used, then dental images can be collected, but the perspective varies significantly making it difficult to analyze dental change over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning mechanisms with an optical alignment system using lasers and optical detectors. The optical alignment device projects reference lines that guide the positioning of the X-ray source and sensor, eliminating reliance on operator skill and ensuring consistent imaging geometry across multiple examinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical alignment device as an intermediary between the operator and the X-ray imaging system. This device provides visual feedback through projected lines and patterns, serving as a mediator to achieve precise and repeatable positioning without requiring direct manual adjustment of the imaging components.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical alignment device serves as an intermediary that adds minimal complexity while dramatically improving positioning accuracy. The system uses simple optical components (lasers, detectors, mirrors) that provide visual guidance without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms or sophisticated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is self-aligning in that the optical detectors automatically detect the projected reference lines and provide feedback for positioning adjustment. The system guides its own alignment process without requiring external intervention or complex control algorithms, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple X-ray images are taken from different perspectives, then more dental information is captured, but image comparison and analysis become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different imaging perspectives selectively based on diagnostic needs while maintaining consistent reference framing. The optical alignment system allows the operator to choose specific views (bitewing, occlusal, lateral) while ensuring each image is captured with precise geometric relationships, enabling both comprehensive information gathering and accurate comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical alignment device creates a reproducible geometric framework that can be copied across multiple imaging sessions. The projected reference lines and alignment patterns serve as a template that ensures each new image is captured with the same geometric relationships, enabling direct comparison between examinations taken at different times.
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
The system allows for standardized and accurate dental image collection and comparison, reducing radiation dosage, improving image quality, and enabling easier detection of dental changes and 3D reconstruction for better diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
the second optical alignment device may comprise a plurality of laser light sources
Implementation Method 2
A dental imaging system may include an X-ray source, a first optical alignment device, and a dental image collection device
Data Source
AI summary
A dental imaging system may include an X-ray source, a first optical alignment device, and a dental image collection device. The dental image collection device may include a mouthpiece, at least one electronic X-ray sensor carried by the mouthpiece, and a second optical alignment device carried by the mouthpiece and cooperating with the first optical alignment device to facilitate optically aligning the mouthpiece with the X-ray source. The system may also include a dental image processing device coupled to the at least one electronic X-ray sensor.