Portable X-ray Imaging Device with Optical and Thermal Camera Overlay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable X-ray imaging devices struggle to accurately image desired locations in the mouth due to the user's inability to see the intraoral X-ray sensor, leading to inaccuracies in X-ray radiation direction, which is heavily dependent on user proficiency.
Innovation Solution
A portable X-ray imaging device equipped with an optical camera, a thermal image camera, and a display unit that overlays real and thermal images to accurately locate the oral sensor, allowing for precise X-ray radiation by displaying the sensor's position on the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an intraoral X-ray sensor is disposed within the patient's mouth for imaging, then the ability to capture oral images is improved, but the user cannot see the sensor's location, leading to inaccurate X-ray radiation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical camera and thermal image camera as intermediary devices to detect and display the oral sensor's location. The optical camera captures visible light images while the thermal camera detects infrared radiation, both providing visual information about the sensor position without interfering with the X-ray imaging process. This intermediary system bridges the information gap between the hidden sensor and the user's awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical camera and thermal image camera continuously monitor the oral sensor's location and display this information on a display unit. This real-time feedback allows the user to adjust the X-ray radiation direction based on visual confirmation of sensor position, creating a closed-loop system that improves imaging accuracy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shielding plate is disposed in the portable X-ray imaging device to block backward scattering of X-rays, then radiation safety is improved, but the user's field of view is blocked when aligning the oral sensor and device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical and thermal cameras as intermediary devices to provide visual feedback for alignment purposes. Instead of relying on direct visual inspection that would require removing or relocating the shielding plate, the cameras capture images through or around the shielding structure, allowing the user to see the oral sensor's position without compromising radiation protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical alignment method (direct visual inspection requiring line of sight) with an optical/thermal imaging system. The cameras and display unit create a virtual alignment system that eliminates the need for direct visual access to the oral cavity, allowing the shielding plate to remain in place while still enabling accurate positioning.
3Device complexity
If conventional portable X-ray imaging devices rely on user guesswork for sensor location, then device simplicity is maintained, but imaging accuracy is greatly affected by user proficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-determine the oral sensor's location through the optical camera and thermal image camera without requiring user expertise or manual positioning techniques. The automated detection and display system performs the alignment function that would otherwise depend on the user's skill and experience, making the device more accessible while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback system that automatically provides visual information about sensor location to the user through the display unit. This feedback loop eliminates the need for users to rely on guesswork or specialized knowledge, allowing anyone to achieve accurate imaging by simply following the visual guidance provided by the optical and thermal camera systems.
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 more accurate X-ray imaging by providing a clear visual representation of the oral sensor's location, reducing reliance on user guesswork and improving the accuracy of mouth X-ray photos.
Implementation Method 1
an optical camera installed on an outer circumference of the front end on one side of the main body and configured to capture a real image of a subject
Implementation Method 2
a thermal image camera installed adjacently to the optical camera and configured to capture a thermal image of the subject
Implementation Method 3
an X-ray source installed within the main body, a main body in which an X-ray radiation window has been disposed at a front end
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a portable X-ray imaging device. The portable X-ray imaging device includes an optical camera, a thermal image camera, a display unit, and a controller. The controller displays a real image captured by the optical camera and a thermal image captured by the thermal image camera by overlapping the real image and the thermal image. Accordingly, a user can perform more accurate X-ray imaging because the user can check an oral sensor in a real image of the face of a patient displayed on the display unit.