Optical Jaw Motion Tracking System Using Multi-Directional Light Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental technologies inadequately capture and record the dynamic motion of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw, leading to inaccuracies in dental appliance design and treatment outcomes, particularly in complex cases, which can result in suboptimal or failed treatments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an imaging system and a position indicating system that captures the motion of a patient's jaw by projecting light onto screens and using cameras to determine the position and orientation of light emitters, allowing for precise measurement and modeling of jaw movement, including the inference of the temporomandibular joint's screw axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional articulator devices are used to approximate jaw motion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of jaw motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical articulator devices with an optical measurement system consisting of light emitters, screens, and imaging cameras. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages while achieving superior measurement precision through optical tracking of light emitter positions and orientations during jaw motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the jaw motion by projecting light emitters that emit light in multiple directions toward screens, with cameras capturing images of these light patterns. This optical copying system accurately replicates and records the dynamic motion of the jaw without requiring physical mechanical replicas.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light emitters are used to track jaw motion in three dimensions, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position indicating system is divided into multiple independent light emitters, each emitting light in specific directions (first direction, second collinear opposite direction, and third different direction). This segmentation allows three-dimensional spatial tracking to be achieved through coordinated measurement of multiple simpler components rather than a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light emitter serves multiple functions: emitting light in opposite directions for bidirectional tracking, emitting light in different directions for three-dimensional positioning, and providing reference points for both position and orientation measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each measurement task.
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 system provides accurate and precise data on jaw motion, enabling the design of dental appliances and therapies based on actual patient motion, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of dental restorations and treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitter disposed within the housing and oriented to emit light in a first direction toward the screen; a second light emitter disposed within the housing and oriented to emit light in a second direction, the second direction being collinear with and opposite to the first direction; and a third light emitter disposed within the housing and oriented to emit light in a third direction
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for determining and tracking movement are provided. An example apparatus that includes a position indicating system having a first light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a first direction, a second light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a second direction, the second direction being collinear with and opposite to the first direction; and a third light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a third direction, the third direction being different than the first direction and the second direction. The third direction may be offset from the first direction by an offset angle that is an acute angle. The apparatus may also include a screen; an imaging system configured to capture an image of the screen. The first light emitter and the third light emitter may both be configured to emit light toward the screen.