Head Positioning Standardization Using Dual-Camera Reference Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cephalometric radiography methods rely on ear rods for head positioning, which are prone to errors due to variations in ear canal size and morphology, leading to inconsistent head orientation and positional displacement, affecting the precision and reproducibility of maxillofacial morphologic diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A head positioning standardization method using two digital cameras with orthogonal optical axes to establish horizontal and vertical reference lines, allowing precise adjustment of the head position and orientation, including lateral and frontal positioning steps to align these lines with the patient's external auditory canals and eye centers, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ear rods are used for head positioning in cephalometric radiography, then the positioning method is simple and easy to operate, but the precision and reproducibility of head positioning deteriorates due to variations in ear canal size and morphology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera-based visual feedback system as an intermediary between the ear rods and the head positioning process. The camera captures images of the head position, and reference lines are superimposed on the images to provide real-time visual guidance for adjusting the head position, thereby improving positioning precision without complicating the basic ear rod method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the purely mechanical ear rod positioning system with an optical measurement and feedback system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical insertion of ear rods, the system uses cameras to detect head position, processes images to generate reference lines, and provides visual feedback to guide mechanical adjustment of the head position
2Device complexity
If ear rods are used for head positioning, then the device structure remains simple, but the reproducibility of head orientation deteriorates due to rotational displacement of the head position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the head position, the image processing system generates reference lines based on the captured images, and the operator uses this visual feedback to adjust the head position. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reproducible head orientation by allowing real-time verification and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging and reference line generation before final positioning is confirmed. The camera captures the head position, reference lines are superimposed on the image, and only after verifying correct alignment with the reference lines is the positioning considered complete. This preliminary verification action ensures reproducible results
3Loss of time
If conventional ear rod positioning is used, then the positioning process is quick, but the clinical utility and accuracy of maxillofacial morphologic diagnosis deteriorates due to standardization errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual trial-and-error positioning with an automated optical measurement system. The camera quickly captures the head position, the system automatically processes the image to generate reference lines, and provides immediate visual feedback, significantly reducing the time required to achieve accurate positioning while improving diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system acts as an intermediary that quickly transforms the raw camera image into actionable visual reference lines. This intermediary processing step provides immediate guidance for positioning adjustment, reducing the time needed to achieve accurate head positioning while improving diagnostic precision
Data Source
AI summary
A method of positioning a patient's head includes a profile positioning step and a front positioning step. In the profile positioning step, the vertical position of a first camera is adjusted and the patient is instructed to adjust the forward-backward position of their head so a point of intersection of a first vertical reference line and a first horizontal reference line is in the center of the patient's ear canal In the front positioning step, the vertical position of a second camera is adjusted so a second horizontal reference line passes through the center of the patient's left and right eyeballs and the patient is instructed to adjust the left-right inclination of their head so heights of the left and right eyes are equal, and to adjust the left-right orientation of their head so a second vertical reference line passes through the center of the left and right eyes.