Stereoscopic Video Imaging for Dental Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dentists face eye strain and posture-related issues due to the use of heavy magnification glasses and the need to lean forward to view intraoral cavities, which can lead to long-term health problems and reduce their career span and quality of life.
Innovation Solution
A system for viewing stereoscopic video images using multiple video cameras and a tracking module to maintain stereopsis, allowing for accurate movement of dental tools while reducing eye strain and enabling proper posture, with features like gesture control, image adjustment, and 3-D modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dentists use magnification glasses to view fine details, then viewing capability is improved, but eye strain and tunnel vision occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses video cameras to capture optical images of the intraoral cavity and displays them on a monitor, creating a visual copy that the dentist can view without being physically close to the patient's mouth. This eliminates the need for magnification glasses and associated eye strain while maintaining detailed viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a monitor and video camera as an intermediary between the dentist and the intraoral cavity. Instead of the dentist's eyes directly viewing through magnification glasses, the visual information is transmitted through the camera-monitor interface, reducing direct visual stress on the dentist's eyes.
2Measurement precision
If dentists use magnification glasses to see fine details, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but posture-related health problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The video camera captures and transmits a visual copy of the intraoral cavity to a monitor positioned at an ergonomically appropriate height and distance. This allows the dentist to maintain proper posture while achieving the same diagnostic accuracy that would otherwise require leaning forward with magnification glasses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct optical viewing requiring physical proximity to the patient to remote electronic viewing through a monitor. This dimensional shift in the viewing interface allows the dentist to maintain an upright, ergonomic posture while preserving diagnostic capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dentists lean forward to obtain desired view, then viewing angle is improved, but long term health problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a tracking module that dynamically adjusts the camera's viewing angle and position based on the dentist's line of sight and the patient's anatomy. This dynamic adjustment provides optimal viewing angles without requiring the dentist to adopt strained forward-leaning postures.
Solution Approach 2:
The video camera system captures and displays multiple angles and perspectives of the intraoral cavity on the monitor, allowing the dentist to examine fine details and various anatomical structures without physically moving into compromised positions. The visual copy provides versatile viewing angles from a comfortable, upright posture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for viewing stereoscopic video images are disclosed. The systems can include a first video camera configured to generate a first video feed of a subject, and a second video camera configured to generate a second video feed of the subject. The first video feed and the second video feed combined generate a near real-time stereoscopic video image. A tracking module can be associated with the first video camera and the second video camera, and can be configured to cause the first video camera and the second video camera to be directed to a desired convergent point relative to a selected tracking point to maintain stereopsis. The system may further include an array of video cameras, a gesture control module, an image adjustment module, a calibration module, or a 3-D modeling module, for example.