Ultrasound Dental Imaging via 2D Transducer Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental impression techniques using physical materials like polyvinyl siloxane or alginate suffer from issues such as bubble interference, distortion during removal, and difficulty in duplicating images, which limits the accuracy and reliability of three-dimensional dental imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a two-dimensional array ultrasound probe with a full-matrix capture probe interface device that emits and receives ultrasound waves to capture reflection data, generating three-dimensional images of dental and other anatomical structures, including both surface and subsurface features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical impressioning materials are used to capture dental anatomy, then three-dimensional images can be obtained, but bubbles interfere with capturing the anatomy and distortion occurs during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical impressioning material system with an ultrasound imaging system. Instead of using polyvinyl siloxane or alginate materials that physically contact and then distort during removal, the invention uses ultrasound waves to non-contactly capture three-dimensional images of dental anatomy, eliminating the mechanical distortion problem entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasound waves as an intermediary between the imaging system and the dental anatomy. Rather than direct physical contact with impression materials, the ultrasound waves serve as a mediator that can penetrate and reflect off anatomical structures to create accurate three-dimensional images without causing distortion
2Measurement precision
If physical impressions are used to capture dental anatomy, then images can be obtained, but it is difficult to duplicate images as the impression is typically distorted or destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of dental anatomy through ultrasound imaging. Instead of physical impressions that can be distorted or destroyed, the system generates digital three-dimensional images that can be infinitely duplicated and reproduced without loss of quality or distortion, enabling multiple copies for different purposes such as treatment planning, fabrication, and record-keeping
3Ease of operation
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used, then imaging capability is provided, but accurate three-dimensional imaging of surface and subsurface anatomy is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional ultrasound imaging to three-dimensional imaging by incorporating depth information through time-of-flight measurements. The system measures the time for ultrasound waves to travel to and from anatomical structures, adding the depth dimension to create accurate three-dimensional representations of both surface and subsurface anatomy
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
This approach provides accurate, non-distorting, and reproducible three-dimensional imaging of anatomical structures, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by offering precise and reliable imaging of dental and other anatomical areas.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the elongate member, wherein the ultrasound transducers emit ultrasound when activated
Implementation Method 2
receive data corresponding to ultrasonic waves captured by a plurality of the ultrasound transducers
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, components, methods, and techniques for ultrasound imaging of patient anatomy are provided. An example system for ultrasound imaging of patient anatomy includes an ultrasound probe and a probe interface device. An example ultrasound probe includes a handle, an elongate member coupled to the handle and a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the elongate member. The ultrasound transducers emit ultrasound when activated. An example probe interface device is communicatively coupled to the ultrasound probe. The example probe interface device is configured to activate at least one of the ultrasound transducers and to receive data corresponding to ultrasonic waves captured by a plurality of the ultrasound transducers.