Intraoral Camera Infrared Imaging CQD Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoral cameras struggle to detect defects beneath the tooth surface, as traditional light sources scatter excessively in enamel, making it difficult to image caries and other structural defects effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of an intraoral camera system equipped with a light source that generates infrared light in the wavelength range of 950nm to 2500nm, combined with a colloidal quantum dot (CQD) sensor, which records surface light distribution images and computes defect conditions based on these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional light sources are used in intraoral cameras, then the device can capture images of tooth surfaces, but light scatters excessively in enamel making it difficult to detect defects beneath the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light source from traditional visible light to infrared light in the range of 950nm to 2500nm. This parameter change reduces light scattering in enamel by a factor of 5-10 times compared to visible light, enabling effective detection of subsurface defects while maintaining surface imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using visible light that scatters heavily in enamel, the patent inverts the approach by using infrared light with longer wavelengths that penetrates enamel more effectively. This inversion of the light spectrum approach transforms the harmful scattering effect into a useful penetration effect for defect detection
2Measurement precision
If infrared light with wavelength 950nm to 2500nm is used, then light scattering in enamel is minimized for better defect imaging, but the sensor must be specifically configured to detect this wavelength range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a colloidal quantum dot (CQD) sensor as an intermediary component that specifically detects infrared light in the 950nm to 2500nm range. The CQD sensor converts infrared photons to electrical signals with high efficiency, enabling the camera to capture subsurface defect information while managing the complexity through a specialized sensor design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensor's detection parameter to match the infrared wavelength range of 950nm to 2500nm. This parameter alignment between the light source and CQD sensor creates an optimized system for infrared imaging that reduces complexity by ensuring component compatibility
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
This approach allows for the effective imaging of defects beneath the tooth surface by minimizing light scattering in enamel, thereby enhancing the detection of caries and other structural defects.
Implementation Method 1
long wavelength lights that produce limited light scattering in enamel
Implementation Method 2
a colloidal quantum dot (CQD) sensor configured to record one or more surface light distribution images
Data Source
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AI summary
Light is projected from a light source in a first direction towards a tooth. The light source generates at least infrared light in the wavelength range of 950nm to 2500nm. A colloidal quantum dot (CQD) sensor records one or more surface light distribution images produced at the surface of the tooth by the projected light and the one or more surface light distribution images are used to compute a defect condition of the tooth.