Tooth Position Recognition Using Deep Learning and Motion Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional dental mirror systems struggle to accurately identify the position of teeth due to limited view and symmetry, requiring human expertise, and existing automated solutions are not effective in determining the actual tooth position.

Innovation Solution

A tooth-position recognition system that includes an electronic device with a camera and inertial measurement unit, using deep-learning models and multi-layer perceptron classifiers to generate probability values for tooth region identification, combining pixel position comparisons, user images, and motion tracking to determine the accurate tooth position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a dental mirror with limited lens view is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to photograph teeth is limited and cannot capture all tooth areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidtooth position identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tooth identification task into multiple segments: capturing multiple images from different positions, extracting features from each image, and combining these features through deep learning models to determine the complete tooth position. This segmentation allows the simple mirror device to achieve accurate identification by processing information in manageable parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional image analysis to three-dimensional spatial understanding by incorporating depth information and multiple viewing angles. The system uses the relationship between pixel positions in multiple images and spatial coordinates to accurately determine tooth position, adding a dimensional aspect that resolves the limited view problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If traditional dental mirror is used, then the device is simple, but human experience and expertise are required to determine tooth position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidautomatic tooth position determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically determining tooth position without requiring dentist expertise. The deep learning models process captured images and autonomously identify tooth positions, allowing ordinary users to perform what traditionally required professional dental knowledge and experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/reliant system (requiring physical manipulation and expert judgment) with an automated computational system. The deep learning models substitute for human expertise by automatically analyzing images and determining tooth positions through algorithmic processing rather than manual assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple images and deep learning models are used, then the tooth position identification accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooth position identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple image processing results and deep learning model outputs into a unified tooth position determination. By combining features from multiple images and integrating predictions from different model components, the system achieves high accuracy while managing complexity through synthesis rather than simple accumulation of separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3789957B1Tooth-position recognition system
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 QUANTA COMPUTER INC
  • EP3789957B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3789957B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3789957B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A tooth-position recognition system includes an electronic device and a calculation device. The electronic device includes a first camera. The first camera is configured to capture a plurality of tooth images. The calculation device includes a second camera and a processor. The second camera is configured to capture a user image. The processor is configured to receive the tooth images, compare the corresponding position of each pixel in each tooth image to generate a depth map, and input the tooth images, the depth map, and a plurality of first tooth-region identifiers into a tooth deep-learning model. The tooth deep-learning model outputs a plurality of deep-learning probability values that are the same in number as the first tooth-region identifiers. The processor inputs the user image and the plurality of second tooth-region identifiers into a user-image deep-learning model.