Teeth Whiteness Measurement via Mobile App Alignment and Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a user-friendly and efficient way to objectively assess teeth whiteness, requiring expensive equipment and frequent professional visits for consistent measurements, which is impractical in terms of time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device application that guides users in capturing consistent dental images using alignment guides, facial recognition, and selective illumination, analyzing images to determine a standardized teeth whiteness score, and provides reminders for tracking progress over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If professional equipment and frequent dental office visits are used for teeth whitening assessment, then measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the professional dental assessment system by implementing image capture and analysis functionality within a mobile application. The app replicates the teeth whitening measurement capabilities of professional equipment using the device's camera and processing algorithms, allowing users to perform assessments at home without visiting the dental office.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and professional dental assessment. It captures images of teeth, processes them through algorithms that simulate professional analysis, and provides whiteness scores without requiring direct interaction with dental professionals for each measurement, thus reducing visit frequency while maintaining measurement quality.
2Reliability
If professional equipment is used for teeth whitening assessment, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical assessment equipment with a software-based system running on a mobile device. Image processing algorithms and computational methods substitute for physical measurement tools, achieving reliable teeth whitening assessment through digital analysis rather than specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device, a universal tool already present in most users' lives, is made to perform the specialized function of teeth whitening assessment. The application leverages the device's existing camera, processor, and display to provide professional-grade measurement capabilities without requiring dedicated assessment equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If standardized image capture protocols are implemented, then measurement consistency is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The application provides real-time feedback to users during the image capture process through visual guides overlaid on the camera viewfinder. Alignment indicators show users whether their teeth are properly positioned, and the system offers corrective guidance until the image meets quality standards, making the standardized protocol intuitive and easy to follow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares alignment guides and positioning instructions before the user captures an image. By pre-establishing the correct framing and orientation through visual aids displayed on the screen, users are guided through the standardized capture process without needing to understand complex technical requirements, thus maintaining both consistency and ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for standardized teeth whiteness measurement and monitoring teeth whitening progress using a portable electronic device are disclosed. The system includes an application that assists users in aligning their teeth with an on-screen alignment guide. It further ensures standardized lighting conditions for image capture through adjustable illumination zones, adjusted according to ambient lighting and the specific characteristics of the device. Post-alignment, users have the option to manually outline a selected portion of their teeth for whiteness analysis. This manual outline aids in maintaining consistent positioning for images captured over time. The device's control processor stores these images, sends reminders for future captures, and generates playback sequences, enabling chronological tracking of teeth whitening progress. Whiteness scores for each analyzed image are calculated using a predetermined algorithm available through the device, making it easier to monitor teeth whitening progress over time without the need for regular dental visits.