Vision-Based Dental X-Ray Patient Alignment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning patients in dental x-ray apparatuses are either inaccurate, cumbersome, or require manual adjustment, leading to potential misalignment and increased radiation exposure due to the need for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
The use of one or more video cameras to generate images of the patient's head, allowing for remote-controlled alignment of the x-ray system with the patient, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and enhancing alignment accuracy and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical positioning systems or fixed x-ray systems are used, then patient positioning accuracy can be improved (2.5-4.5mm with head frame), but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring helmets and careful positioning procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems (head frames, helmets, bite blocks) with an optical vision-based system. Video cameras capture images of the patient's head, and a computer automatically processes these images to determine head position and orientation, eliminating the need for mechanical contact devices and manual positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-positioning of the patient's head. The vision system automatically detects anatomical landmarks (eyes, nose, ears) and calculates the required positioning adjustments without requiring the patient or operator to manually adjust mechanical devices. The system guides the positioning process automatically through image processing and coordinate transformation.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment methods are used for patient positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and alignment speed deteriorate due to time-consuming manual procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated vision-based positioning system. Video cameras continuously capture images of the patient's head, and a computer automatically processes these images to determine head position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual positioning procedures and significantly reducing alignment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through video cameras that monitor the patient's head position in real-time. The computer processes the video images and provides continuous feedback on positioning accuracy, automatically adjusting the positioning based on the detected anatomical landmarks and calculated coordinates, thereby accelerating the alignment process.
3Measurement precision
If additional 2D radiographies or CT data are used for positioning, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to requiring additional imaging procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning information directly from visible anatomical landmarks in video images, eliminating the need for additional 2D radiographies or CT scans. The vision system processes standard video footage to identify features like eyes, nose, and ears, extracting sufficient positioning data without requiring extra imaging procedures that would increase preparation time.
4Measurement precision
If 3D digital models are reconstructed in real-time for positioning, then measurement precision and ease of operation improve, but device complexity and cost increase significantly due to requiring accurate 3D scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard, inexpensive video cameras instead of expensive 3D scanners to capture images of the patient's head. The system processes these standard video images through computer algorithms to achieve accurate positioning, avoiding the need for costly 3D scanning equipment while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for dental radiography.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental x-ray apparatus is provided that includes an x-ray system having an x-ray source (100) and x-ray detection means (102); positioning means (110) for positioning a patient's head in a predefined position with respect to the x-ray system; and at least one video camera (120,122) for generating video images of the patient's head. The generated video images of the patient's head are used to align the patient's head and the x-ray system for an imaging operation.