Dental X-ray Device Structured Light Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental X-ray devices lack the capability for robust, accurate, and simultaneous acquisition of both dental tomographic datasets and colored elevation profiles, especially when patients have open eyes, due to the absence of active illumination, leading to incomplete and non-colorful datasets.
Innovation Solution
A dental X-ray device with an X-ray source and detector that rotates around a recording area, equipped with an imaging unit featuring a polychromatic light source, a masking edge to create structured light, and an optical detector, allowing for the acquisition of surface and color data through structured light scanning, which enhances data robustness and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If no active illumination is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the robustness, precision and completeness of the picture are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the X-ray imaging system with an optical imaging unit that includes a light source and camera, merging two separate imaging functions into one integrated device. This allows simultaneous acquisition of X-ray radiographs and optical surface images, ensuring complete and robust data collection without requiring separate devices or additional illumination steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture optical images, detect surface geometry, and acquire color information all within the same integrated system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate illumination systems and ensures comprehensive data acquisition for both dental and surface imaging requirements.
2Device complexity
If a point light source or small-area light source with pivotal deflecting device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but shadowing effects or non-illuminated regions occur, leading to incomplete datasets
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single point light source, the patent employs a line light source that is segmented into multiple emission points along its length. This segmentation ensures that the entire surface area can be illuminated from multiple positions, eliminating shadowing effects that would occur with a single point source while maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a point light source (0D) to a line light source (1D), adding spatial dimensionality to the illumination. This dimensional change allows the light to cover a larger area and illuminate surfaces from multiple angles simultaneously, preventing non-illuminated regions and ensuring complete data acquisition.
3Device complexity
If optical data is acquired without active illumination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the robustness and precision of surface detection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging unit operates continuously during the X-ray acquisition process, with the light source continuously illuminating the patient's face and the camera continuously capturing optical images. This continuous operation ensures that surface detection is performed throughout the entire scanning process, maintaining high precision and robustness without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a light source and camera that mediates between the X-ray imaging system and the patient's surface. This intermediary enables simultaneous optical measurement during X-ray acquisition, improving surface detection precision while maintaining overall device simplicity through integration.
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 solution enables the generation of high-quality, accurate, and interpretable radiographs by providing both surface and color data, improving the precision and completeness of the imaging process while allowing patients to keep their eyes open without additional protection.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging unit comprises at least one light source that generates a polychromatic beam of visible light directed toward the recording area
Implementation Method 2
at least one masking edge that extends, at least in part, into the light beam between the light source and the recording area to produce a shadow demarcation line in the recording area
Implementation Method 3
The imaging unit further comprises at least one optical detector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dental X-ray system for the creation of a radiograph (13), comprising an imaging unit (5) for surface detection. The imaging unit (5) has a light source (6), which produces a polychromatic beam of visible light (6′), a masking edge (7), which extends at least partially into the polychromatic beam of light (6′) between the light source (6) and the recording area (19) for the purpose of creating a shadow demarcation line (17) in said recording area (19), and an optical detector (8), wherein the light source (6), the masking edge (7) and the optical detector (8) are mounted directly on the supporting device (2) and/or on the X-ray source (3) and/or on the X-ray detector (4) and can be moved together therewith past the recording area (19) in circular motion.