Oral Camera Panoramic Imaging via Segmented Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intra-oral cameras require complex image processing algorithms to stitch close-up images of teeth, making the process time-consuming and prone to errors due to issues like lighting and motion, and they do not provide an immediate panoramic view of all teeth.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a mouthpiece containing mirrors for capturing both front and back faces of teeth, a movable camera stand, and a light source, including fluorescence LEDs, to take a single panoramic image of all teeth in a jaw, eliminating the need for stitching and enabling immediate detection of dental issues like cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple close-up images are taken and stitched together to create a panoramic view, then complete coverage of all teeth is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex due to required image processing algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is divided into multiple mirror segments, each positioned at specific angles to reflect different portions of teeth (front faces, back faces, top surfaces) into a single panoramic view captured by one camera, eliminating the need for multiple image captures and stitching
Solution Approach 2:
Mirrors are introduced as intermediary optical elements between the teeth and the camera. The mirrors redirect light paths to enable a single camera to capture all tooth surfaces simultaneously, replacing the complex multi-image stitching process with direct optical reflection
2Area of stationary object
If multiple close-up images are stitched together, then complete tooth coverage is achieved, but stitching accuracy deteriorates due to lighting variations and motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system segments different tooth surfaces (front, back, top) and directs them through separate mirror paths to a single camera, capturing all segments simultaneously in one exposure, thereby eliminating motion artifacts and lighting inconsistencies that occur during sequential image capture and stitching
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror angles and positions are pre-configured during device assembly to ensure proper alignment and consistent lighting for all tooth surfaces before imaging begins, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment and stitching adjustments
3Loss of time
If a single panoramic image is captured, then immediate viewing and reduced processing time are achieved, but the device complexity increases due to mirrors and movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is mounted on a movable stand that can be adjusted to different positions and angles, allowing a single camera to capture panoramic views of different jaw sections. This dynamic positioning replaces complex fixed multi-camera arrangements while maintaining the ability to capture complete tooth coverage in single images
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stand serves multiple functions: it positions the camera at various angles, adjusts focus distances, and accommodates different mouthpiece configurations. This single movable component replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed mounting structures and adjustment mechanisms
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
The device provides a quick and accurate panoramic view of teeth, allowing for the identification of tooth positions and changes, such as decay or movement, and includes software for image analysis to report on dental health status, enhancing early detection and prevention of oral diseases.
Implementation Method 1
The light source comprise of fluorescence LEDs or RGB and fluorescence, utilizing UV, which excites the teeth enamel by near-UV to visible wavelength of light source
Implementation Method 2
The mouth piece has a pair of mirrors, one to view the front faces of teeth, and the other to view the back faces of the teeth
Data Source
AI summary
An oral camera that can view a panoramic view of all teeth in a jaw, including the front and back surfaces of teeth, as well as their top surfaces. The oral camera comprises a mouthpiece that is placed in the mouth. The mouthpiece has an inner and outer part that have mirrored surfaces. The inner and outer parts are tilted to reflect the images of the inner and outer surfaces of teeth toward an outside viewer or a camera. Thereby, a camera image comprises of images of the inner and outer surfaces of teeth as well as their top surface. Thereby allowing for inspection of all teeth for any decay or cavity.