Dual-Sensor Oral Imaging Head for Faster Tooth Surface Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral health monitoring devices require high skill levels and are time-consuming, limiting their effectiveness in imaging a patient's oral cavity efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongate body and a head featuring first and second wing structures, each with an image sensor, configured to image optical, X-ray, infrared, or UV light, allowing simultaneous imaging of teeth and gums, with adjustable spacing and illumination, and capable of creating a 3D model of the user's teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current imaging devices are used to image the oral cavity, then imaging capability is improved, but the skill level required increases and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform oral cavity imaging themselves without requiring skilled professionals. The automated positioning system with movable positioning members and image sensors allows users to independently conduct imaging, eliminating the need for skilled operators while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable positioning members that can be adjusted by the user to position the image sensors at different locations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows users to adapt the device to their specific oral anatomy without requiring professional skill, while maintaining precise imaging through automated positioning mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If current imaging devices are used to image the oral cavity, then imaging capability is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous imaging through automated capture sequences. Multiple images are captured continuously at different positions and times, then stitched together to create comprehensive oral cavity images. This continuous automated operation eliminates the time-consuming manual processes required by traditional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary positioning and calibration actions automatically before imaging begins. The movable positioning members are pre-adjusted to optimal positions, and the system is pre-configured to capture multiple images in sequence, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual positioning and setup during actual use.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection using mirrors is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but imaging quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the mechanical mirror-based inspection system with an automated image sensor system. Instead of using mirrors that require manual manipulation and provide poor imaging quality, the device uses movable positioning members with image sensors that automatically capture high-quality images while remaining easy to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates optical copies of the oral cavity surfaces using image sensors rather than direct visual inspection with mirrors. The image sensors capture light reflected from teeth and gums, creating digital copies that provide superior imaging quality while maintaining ease of use through automated positioning and capture.
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 efficient, user-friendly oral imaging that reduces the need for skilled operation and provides comprehensive imaging of oral surfaces, including teeth and gums, with the potential for real-time analysis and storage of images.
Implementation Method 1
configured to image optical, X-ray, infrared, or UV light
Implementation Method 2
configured to image optical, X-ray, infrared, or UV light
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a device for imaging an oral cavity is disclosed. The device incorporates a head and an elongate body, the head having a base portion, first and second wing structures, and first and second image sensors. The first and second image sensors are mounted to the first and second wing structures and enable imaging of the user's oral cavity. The wing structures enable simultaneous imaging of multiple tooth surfaces simultaneously and may aid in positioning of the head of the device.