Intraoral X-Ray Sensor Exposure Analysis for Faster AEC
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraoral X-ray systems require detached evaluation of scout shots by an external evaluation unit, leading to increased data transfer complexity and reduced efficiency in exposure control processes.
Innovation Solution
Integrate AEC functionality directly into the intraoral X-ray sensor, allowing local analysis of exposure levels within the sensor, reducing data transfer requirements and enabling faster exposure parameter determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the evaluation of scout shot exposure level is performed by an external evaluation unit in the X-ray device, then the intraoral sensor can focus on detection, but data transfer complexity and initialization time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exposure level evaluation function into the intraoral sensor by integrating an evaluation unit that directly analyzes scout shot images captured by the same sensor. This combination eliminates the need for separate data transfer of raw image data to an external evaluation unit, reducing data transfer complexity while maintaining evaluation accuracy through local processing of captured images
2Ease of operation
If the scout shot analysis is performed externally in the X-ray device, then centralized control is maintained, but the initialization effort and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing exposure level evaluation of the scout shot locally within the intraoral sensor before transmitting data to the X-ray device. The evaluation unit analyzes the scout image and determines exposure parameters in advance, allowing the system to skip lengthy initialization sequences and proceed directly to the actual diagnostic exposure with pre-determined parameters
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple exposures are taken for AEC, then saturation limits are resolved and image quality improves, but patient dose and recording time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the evaluation unit to analyze each scout shot and determine the actual exposure level reached. Based on this feedback, the system calculates the optimal number of additional exposures needed to achieve complete image quality without overexposure. This feedback loop ensures that only the necessary number of exposures are taken, minimizing patient dose while ensuring adequate image quality
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an intraoral X-ray sensor for use with an intraoral X-ray system having an automatic exposure control (AEC) functionality, characterized in that the intraoral X-ray sensor includes an exposure analysis unit, an imaging X-ray detector, and a communication interface, wherein a scout shot or scout video stream received from the imaging X-ray detector is analyzed by the exposure analysis unit in the intraoral X-ray sensor in order to record information on the exposure level of the scout image or video stream and to forward this information by means of the communication interface to a decision unit of the intraoral X-ray system, which is arranged externally to the intraoral X-ray sensor, and adapted for evaluation and decision of further exposures.