Endodontic File Length Measurement Using Automated Reference Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental endodontic file length measurement methods suffer from inaccuracies due to manual adjustment of stoppers, leading to increased treatment time and decreased reliability.
Innovation Solution
A digital measurement apparatus and method using a mounting part with a reference point, a measuring part that employs methods such as moving, radiation, or scanning to accurately measure the length of endodontic files, and a comparison part to adjust and display the measured length as a reference value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of stopper is used for length measurement, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical stopper adjustment system with an automated image processing and recognition system. The measurement object is captured by an imaging device, and the stopper position is automatically detected and measured through image analysis, eliminating manual adjustment while achieving high measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If manual stopper adjustment is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs self-measurement through automated image capture and processing. The system automatically detects the stopper position, calculates the length, and provides measurement results without requiring human intervention or judgment, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If repeated length measurement is performed due to therapist mistake, then measurement precision can be improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated measurement and verification before finalizing the result. By capturing images and automatically verifying stopper position and length calculation, the system ensures measurement accuracy in a single operation, preventing the need for repeated measurements and reducing treatment time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a digital measurement apparatus including a mounting part on which a measurement object is placed; and a measuring part for measuring the length of the measurement object and providing the measurement value of the measured measurement object as a reference value for adjusting the length of a new measurement object, wherein the measuring part measures the length of the measurement object using any one selected from among a moving method of converting a distance moved due to interference with the measurement object placed on the mounting part; a radiation method of radiating a measurement signal toward the measurement object and converting information of the detected measurement signal into the length of the measurement object; and a scanning method of scanning the measurement object. With this configuration, accuracy in measuring the length of a measurement object may be improved using a simple structure.