Intraoral X-Ray Sensor Switching for Faster Exposure Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current intraoral X-ray systems with AEC functionality require complex data transfer and evaluation processes that are inefficient and prone to motion artifacts due to the evaluation being performed outside the X-ray sensor, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased patient dose.

Innovation Solution

The intraoral X-ray system shifts the exposure level analysis to the X-ray sensor itself, allowing for localized evaluation and reduced data transfer complexity, enabling faster and more precise control of exposure parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If exposure level analysis is performed by the evaluation unit in the X-ray machine, then the system can process images from any sensor type, but the data transfer complexity increases and motion artifacts occur due to delayed evaluation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different sensor typesVSAvoiddata transfer complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure level analysis function is extracted from the central evaluation unit in the X-ray machine and placed directly into the intraoral X-ray sensor. This extraction reduces the data transfer burden on the X-ray machine, as only essential control parameters need to be transmitted rather than complete image data for analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The exposure level analysis is performed preliminarily by the sensor immediately after image capture, before data is transmitted to the X-ray machine. This preliminary evaluation prevents motion artifacts by determining exposure parameters without delay, while still allowing the system to accommodate different sensor types through the standardized function switch interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If exposure level analysis is performed by the evaluation unit in the X-ray machine, then centralized control is maintained, but the evaluation time increases causing motion artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidevaluation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure level analysis is performed preliminarily by the sensor immediately after image capture, before data is transmitted to the X-ray machine. This preliminary evaluation prevents motion artifacts by determining exposure parameters without delay, while still allowing the system to accommodate different sensor types through the standardized function switch interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor acts as an intermediary that performs exposure level analysis locally and transmits only essential results to the X-ray machine. This intermediary role maintains centralized control over the imaging process while significantly reducing evaluation time and preventing motion artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the sensor transmits complete image data for evaluation, then accurate exposure analysis is achieved, but data transfer volume and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure level detection accuracyVSAvoiddata transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure level analysis function is extracted from the central evaluation unit in the X-ray machine and placed directly into the intraoral X-ray sensor. This extraction reduces the data transfer burden on the X-ray machine, as only essential control parameters need to be transmitted rather than complete image data for analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor performs self-service by conducting exposure level analysis locally using its own resources. This self-service capability ensures accurate exposure detection without requiring extensive data transfer to external evaluation units, thereby reducing transmission time and improving overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4115812B1Intraoral x-ray system with function switch in the x-ray unit for the use of different sensor types

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 DENTSPLY SIRONA INC

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an intraoral X-ray system (3) comprising: an intraoral X-ray device (2) equipped with automatic exposure control (AEC) functionality and connectable to a cloud (6) and a computer (4.1), characterized in that at least one intraoral X-ray sensor (1; 1'; 1") can be connected to the intraoral X-ray device (2), and the intraoral X-ray device (2) has a functional switch (2.10) which in an initial identification process recognizes the sensor type of the at least one connected intraoral X-ray sensor (1; 1; 1"), and activates an associated mode (M; M'; M"), wherein the intraoral X-ray system (3) 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 unit-, computer- or cloud-side detection of an exposure level, a mode (M) without detection of an exposure level.