Near-Infrared Endoscopic Dental Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental imaging techniques, such as X-ray based methods, expose patients to ionizing radiation and are not suitable for real-time observation, posing safety concerns and limitations in diagnosing dental diseases and guiding surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A near-infrared endoscopic dental imaging system that uses a spectrometer and near-infrared camera with a bifurcated fiber to capture and display two-dimensional dental images and videos without ionizing radiation, employing a near-infrared illumination source and indocyanine green as a fluorescence dye for real-time imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray based imaging techniques are used, then clear anatomical dental images are achieved, but patients are exposed to ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation (X-ray) with near-infrared light for dental imaging. The near-infrared endoscopic system uses optical illumination and fluorescence detection to achieve dental imaging without ionizing radiation, substituting the mechanical/radiation-based X-ray system with an optical-based system that is safer for patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the imaging system from ionizing X-ray frequencies to near-infrared frequencies. By operating in the near-infrared spectral range and utilizing fluorescence emission, the system achieves dental imaging with parameters that are non-ionizing and biologically safer while maintaining diagnostic capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional X-ray imaging is used, then dental structures are visualized, but real-time observation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static X-ray imaging with a dynamic optical imaging system. The near-infrared endoscope with illumination source and camera enables continuous, real-time visualization of dental structures, replacing the snapshot nature of X-ray imaging with a video-capable optical system that provides temporal resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous imaging through the near-infrared endoscopic system. The system provides ongoing, real-time observation of dental structures during procedures, allowing continuous monitoring and immediate feedback, unlike the discrete, intermittent nature of traditional X-ray imaging.
3Measurement precision
If micro-CT is used to assess dental structure, then detailed images are obtained, but animals must be sacrificed and results are discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces micro-CT imaging with a non-invasive optical imaging system. The near-infrared endoscopic system allows repeated imaging of the same subject without sacrifice, providing longitudinal data and continuous observation of dental development or disease progression, thereby improving reliability through repeated measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous, longitudinal observation of dental structures in living subjects. The non-invasive nature of near-infrared optical imaging allows multiple time points to be imaged in the same animal or patient, creating a continuous dataset that reflects temporal changes in dental health, development, or treatment response.
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
Enables safe, cost-effective, and real-time dental imaging, capable of observing dental structures deep beneath the surface, identifying abnormalities, and guiding surgeries without the risks associated with ionizing radiation.
Implementation Method 1
the near-infrared illumination source comprises a light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
the near-infrared illumination source comprises a laser diode
Implementation Method 3
employing a near-infrared illumination source and indocyanine green as a fluorescence dye for real-time imaging
Implementation Method 4
The spectrometer is configured to capture fluorescent light from the specimen and provide a spectroscopic signal to the data processor
Implementation Method 5
The near-infrared camera is configured to capture a near-infrared two-dimensional dental image of a specimen
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments of the invention, a near-infrared fluorescence endoscopic dental imaging system includes an endoscope forming a plurality of lumens therein; a spectrometer optically coupled to a first lumen of the endoscope; a near-infrared camera optically coupled to a second lumen of the endoscope; a data processor in communication with the spectrometer and the near-infrared camera; and a display system in communication with the data processor. The near-infrared camera is configured to capture a near-infrared two-dimensional dental image of a specimen and transmit the near-infrared two-dimensional dental image to the data processor. The spectrometer is configured to capture fluorescent light from the specimen and provide a spectroscopic signal to the data processor. The display system is configured to communicate with the data processor to receive the near-infrared two-dimensional dental image and the spectroscopic signal and to display a two-dimensional dental image of the specimen.