Intraoral Sensor Holder Alignment for Non-Overlapping Root Canal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for intraoral imaging after endodontic treatment fail to reliably position the imaging device and sensor to avoid overlapping of root canals without increasing radiation exposure or requiring multiple images.
Innovation Solution
A sensor holder with a biting device, holding device, and centering means that allows flexible adjustment of the sensor position relative to the imaging device, determined by software-supported analysis methods like DVT, enabling optimal alignment for non-overlapping imaging in a single shot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple images are taken from different angles to capture each root canal without overlapping, then imaging completeness is improved, but radiation exposure and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D imaging to create a digital model of the root canals before the actual 2D imaging. This preliminary action allows the system to calculate and determine the optimal imaging angle in advance, so that a single subsequent image can be taken at the precisely calculated angle, avoiding the need for multiple trial images and reducing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the root canal structure through 3D imaging and digital modeling. This virtual model is then used to simulate and determine the optimal imaging parameters, replacing the need for multiple physical trial shootings. The virtual simulation allows precise angle calculation without additional radiation exposure to the patient.
2Reliability
If multiple images are taken from different angles to capture each root canal without overlapping, then imaging completeness is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D imaging to create a digital model of the root canals before the actual 2D imaging. This preliminary action allows the system to calculate and determine the optimal imaging angle in advance, so that a single subsequent image can be taken at the precisely calculated angle, avoiding the need for multiple trial images and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the root canal structure through 3D imaging and digital modeling. This virtual model is then used to simulate and determine the optimal imaging parameters, replacing the need for multiple physical trial shootings. The virtual simulation allows precise angle calculation without additional time spent on repeated imaging attempts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the imaging device and sensor are aligned at the correct angle to image all root canals without overlapping in a single image, then radiation exposure is reduced, but positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses 3D imaging data to provide feedback on the actual geometry and position of root canals. This feedback is processed to calculate the precise optimal angle, which then guides the positioning of the imaging device and sensor. The feedback loop ensures that the system can achieve precise positioning by using actual anatomical data rather than relying solely on operator estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation from direct physical angle measurement to calculated optimal angle based on 3D model analysis. By transforming the problem from physical trial-and-error adjustment to mathematical optimization based on digital models, the system achieves higher positioning precision through parameter calculation rather than manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the optimum relative position of at least one sensor and/or at least one imaging source of an imaging device for at least one intraoral imaging, and for the non-overlapping imaging of at least two tooth root canals. The disclosure also relates to a sensor holder (1) for intraoral imaging including at least one biting device (2) that is insertable into the mouth of a patient, at least one holding device (3) at least indirectly engaged with the biting device (2) for fixing at least one sensor, and at least one centering device (4) for aligning at least one imaging device. The centering device (4) is at least indirectly in operative connection with the biting device (2) via at least one centering device holding portion (5).