Intraoral X-Ray Sensor Switching for Faster Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraoral X-ray systems with AEC functionality require complex data transfer and evaluation processes, detaching the exposure level analysis from the intraoral X-ray sensor, leading to inefficiencies and increased initialization efforts.
Innovation Solution
Integrating exposure level analysis within the intraoral X-ray sensor, allowing for local evaluation of scout images or video streams, and communicating the results to the X-ray device for faster and more efficient exposure parameter determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the evaluation of exposure level is performed externally in the X-ray device, then the system can process images from different sensor types, but the data transfer complexity increases and the process speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure level evaluation functionality is extracted from the central evaluation unit in the X-ray device and implemented as an independent evaluation unit within the intraoral sensor itself. This extraction allows the sensor to perform self-evaluation of exposure levels locally, reducing the complexity of data transfer to the external device while maintaining compatibility with different sensor types through standardized communication protocols.
2Extent of automation
If the evaluation of exposure level is performed externally in the X-ray device, then centralized control is maintained, but the process speed decreases due to data transfer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation function is segmented into a separate evaluation unit that is integrated within the intraoral sensor. This segmentation enables parallel processing where the sensor can independently evaluate exposure levels of scout shots and determine subsequent exposure parameters without waiting for external device processing, thereby increasing process speed while the X-ray device maintains centralized control over the overall imaging workflow.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple exposure shots are taken and summed, then the saturation limit is resolved and image quality improves, but the exposure time increases causing motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit within the sensor performs preliminary evaluation of the scout shot to determine the optimal number and parameters of subsequent exposure shots needed to achieve the desired image quality without overexposure. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly determine the minimum number of shots required, reducing total exposure time and minimizing motion artifacts while still achieving the benefit of multiple exposures for resolving saturation limits.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an intraoral X-ray system comprising: an intraoral X-ray device equipped with an automatic exposure control (AEC) functionality and connectable to a cloud and a computer, characterized in that at least one intraoral X-ray sensor is connectable to the intraoral X-ray device, and the intraoral X-ray device comprises a functional switch which, in an initial identification process, recognizes the sensor type of the at least one connected intraoral X-ray sensor, and activates an associated mode (M; M′; M″), wherein the intraoral X-ray system comprises one or more of the following modes (M; M′; M″): a mode (M″) for intraoral X-ray sensor side detection of an exposure level, a mode (M′) for intraoral X-ray device, computer or cloud side detection of an exposure level, a mode (M) without detection of an exposure level.