Multi-Wavelength Fluorescence Detection for Dental Tissue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for examining biological tissue using fluorescence analysis often rely on a single wavelength range, which limits the accuracy and effectiveness in detecting tissue properties like tooth decay or caries, and require complex equipment or digital cameras for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze fluorescence in multiple wavelength ranges, using double or multiple bandpass filters to generate a common signal for interpreting tissue properties, allowing for simultaneous consideration of fluorescence in different ranges without the need for digital cameras or costly illumination, enabling real-time monitoring during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fluorescence analysis is performed using a single wavelength range, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and detection accuracy of tissue properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fluorescence detection into multiple discrete wavelength ranges (first wavelength range and second wavelength range). Each wavelength range is detected separately using specific optical filters, allowing the system to analyze different tissue properties at each wavelength while maintaining manageable equipment complexity through modular filter-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-wavelength detection to multi-wavelength detection by adding the spectral dimension. By measuring fluorescence intensity across multiple wavelength ranges and comparing ratios between them, the system achieves enhanced tissue characterization without requiring overly complex equipment, as the additional dimension is accessed through filter-based spectral separation.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence analysis uses multiple wavelength ranges, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a detection system that can operate across multiple wavelength ranges using a unified approach. The same basic detection hardware (photodetector, filters, illumination source) is used for both the first and second wavelength ranges, allowing the system to perform multiple measurement functions without requiring entirely separate detection subsystems for each wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses filtering to create spectral copies of the fluorescence signal at different wavelength ranges. By placing specific bandpass filters in the detection path, the system generates separate detection channels for each wavelength range, effectively copying the detection function across multiple spectral bands without duplicating the entire detection hardware.
3Measurement precision
If digital cameras are used for fluorescence analysis, then the measurement capability is enhanced, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive digital camera systems with a simpler, more economical detection approach using basic photodetectors and optical filters. This substitution maintains the essential measurement capability while significantly reducing equipment cost and complexity, as the filter-based detection method achieves sufficient precision without requiring expensive imaging hardware.
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 enhances the detection of tissue properties like tooth decay by generating a strong, interpretable signal that can be displayed continuously, allowing for easier identification of caries and reducing the need for digital cameras, enabling real-time monitoring and minimizing unnecessary treatment of healthy tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence of the tissue established or detected in a first wavelength range and a fluorescence of the tissue established or detected in a second wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
Method, and the associated device, for examining a biological tissue, in particular dental tissue or tooth enamel of one or several teeth, the method including the steps of taking into account at least the fluorescence of the tissue detected in a first wavelength range and the fluorescence of the tissue detected in a second wavelength range. The device can be a surgery microscope with one or several filters. The filters can be swiveled into or out the illumination beam path or the optical path of the light source of the device.