Oral Care Evaluation System Using Fluorescence Pixel Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for evaluating oral hygiene, particularly of soft tissues like the tongue, are not convenient for home use and lack objective measures, relying on subjective observations of fluorescence from porphyrin compounds.
Innovation Solution
An oral care evaluation system that illuminates oral tissue with a specific wavelength to induce fluorescence in organic compounds, using an image sensor and processor to generate and analyze image data, objectively assessing oral hygiene by evaluating attributes of each pixel in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective observation of fluorescence is used to evaluate oral hygiene, then the evaluation can be performed without complex equipment, but the measurement precision and objectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective observation method with an optical detection system. The image sensor captures fluorescence emissions objectively, and the processor analyzes the captured images to quantify oral hygiene status, substituting human subjective judgment with automated optical measurement and image analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from subjective visual assessment to quantitative analysis of fluorescence intensity and distribution. By measuring the intensity of fluorescence emissions and analyzing pixel values in captured images, the system transforms the evaluation into an objective parameter-based assessment
2Measurement precision
If professional evaluation systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility for home use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that can be used both professionally and at home. The device combines professional-grade fluorescence detection capabilities with a portable, easy-to-operate design, allowing the same system to serve multiple functions and user contexts without requiring separate specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service oral hygiene evaluation through automated image capture and analysis. The processor automatically analyzes the captured fluorescence images and provides evaluation results without requiring professional intervention, allowing users to perform accurate oral hygiene assessments at home independently
3Measurement precision
If quantitative pixel analysis is implemented, then measurement precision and objectivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual image analysis with automated computational processing. The processor automatically captures images, analyzes pixel values, quantifies fluorescence intensity distribution, and generates evaluation results, substituting manual analysis with automated digital image processing algorithms
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
Provides a consistent and objective evaluation of oral hygiene, correlating fluorescence intensity with bacterial presence, enabling effective oral hygiene assessment both professionally and at home.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit a spectrum of light which induces fluorescence in an organic compound
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor receiving light generated by fluorescence of the organic compound on the soft oral tissue, the image sensor generating image data
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An oral care evaluation system may include: a light source (103) configured to emit a spectrum of light which induces fluorescence in an organic compound, the light source illuminating soft oral tissue within an oral cavity; an image sensor (105) receiving light generated by fluorescence of the organic compound on the soft oral tissue, the image sensor generating image data for an image of the oral tissue, the image comprising a plurality of pixels; and an image processor (109) receiving the image data from the image sensor and programmed to evaluate oral hygiene of the soft oral tissue by assessing an attribute of each pixel in the image.