Oral cavity scanner

Abstract

An oral scanner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing having an opening at one end; a light source disposed at the other end of the housing and irradiating light into the opening; a first optical system disposed at the opening, reflecting light irradiated by the light source toward an irradiated body and reflecting light reflected by the irradiated body toward the light source; a second optical system disposed between the light source and the first optical system, and reflecting light reflected by the first optical system; and an image sensor unit that detects light reflected by the second optical system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an oral scanner, and more specifically, to an oral scanner configured to acquire three-dimensional images of the oral cavity. Background Technology

[0002] Digital impressions represent a crucial starting point for modern digital dental treatment. As the importance of digital impressions in dental treatment increases, the development of intraoral scanner technology is actively underway.

[0003] An oral scanner is a device or system inserted into a dental patient's mouth to scan the three-dimensional structure of teeth in a non-contact manner. Recently developed oral scanners can capture two-dimensional images of the oral cavity and create three-dimensional models of the oral structure based on these images. This functionality has expanded the clinical applications of oral scanners, enabling them not only for restorative dental treatments but also for dental implants and the fabrication of orthodontic appliances.

[0004] On the other hand, the accuracy of impressions is crucial for successful dental treatment. Digital impressions taken using an oral scanner are not deformed by the shrinkage or expansion of the impression material, thus offering higher accuracy compared to traditional impressions using existing materials. However, it is necessary to further improve scanning accuracy so that oral scanners can continue to serve as tools for delicate dental procedures. Furthermore, since oral scanners are inserted non-contactly into the patient's mouth, they should ideally have a structure that ensures patient comfort during use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention

[0006] The embodiments disclosed in this specification provide an oral scanner with multiple optical systems, the oral scanner having a structure suitable for use in non-contact insertion into the oral cavity of a dental patient.

[0007] Technical solution

[0008] An oral scanner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing having an opening at one end; a light source disposed at the other end of the housing and irradiating light into the opening; a first optical system disposed at the opening, reflecting light irradiated by the light source toward an irradiated body and reflecting light reflected by the irradiated body toward the light source; a second optical system disposed between the light source and the first optical system, and reflecting light reflected by the first optical system; and an image sensor unit that detects light reflected by the second optical system.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the oral scanner is configured to form a gap at the center of the second optical system, such that light irradiated by the light source passes through the gap to reach the first optical system.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the second optical system includes: a first reflective portion configured to reflect light reflected by the first optical system; and a second reflective portion configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflective portion toward the image sensor portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first reflective portion includes two reflective surfaces configured such that the dihedral angle between their respective infinitely extending planes forms a minor angle; the second reflective portion includes two reflective surfaces configured such that the dihedral angle between their respective infinitely extending planes forms a major angle.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the positions and orientations of the two reflective surfaces of the second reflective part are set in a manner to prevent the overlap of two images of the irradiated object reflected by the two reflective surfaces of the second reflective part and detected by the image sensor part.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the second optical system includes a first prism and a second prism. Light irradiated by the light source is configured to pass through a gap formed between the first prism and the second prism and reach the first optical system. Light reflected by the first optical system is configured to be reflected by a pair of opposing reflective surfaces of the first prism and a pair of opposing reflective surfaces of the second prism and reach the image sensor.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of one side of the first prism and the infinitely extending plane of one side of the second prism forms a minor angle, while the dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the first prism and the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the second prism forms a major angle.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the positions and orientations of the other side reflective surfaces of the first prism and the second prism are set in such a way that the two objects being irradiated by the two other side reflective surfaces are respectively reflected and detected by the image sensor unit are not overlapped.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the light source is configured to illuminate patterned light or structured light.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the image sensor unit is configured to obtain two stereo images from the image of light reflected from the second optical system.

[0018] Beneficial effects

[0019] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, since there is no need for a drive unit for adjusting the angle of each of the multiple optical systems disposed inside the housing of the oral scanner, the optical systems can be compactly disposed in an optimal position inside the housing.

[0020] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, since multiple optical systems are arranged in a compact structure inside the housing, a small-volume oral scanner can be realized. When using the oral scanner, it is not only easy to insert into the oral cavity of a dental patient, but also easy to move or change direction within the oral cavity, thus enabling precise tooth scanning.

[0021] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, since two stereoscopic images can be obtained from images of light reflected from multiple optical systems using only one image sensor unit, the manufacturing cost of the dental scanner is reduced and its internal structure can be further optimized.

[0022] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other unmentioned effects from the description in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a connection between an oral scanner and an oral 3D modeling and visualization system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an oral scanner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective side view of an oral scanner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an oral scanner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective side view of an oral scanner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, details the specific features used in implementing this disclosure. However, in the following description, specific descriptions of well-known functions or structures will be omitted where there is a possibility of unnecessarily obscuring the gist of this disclosure.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding constituent elements are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments, repeated descriptions of the same or corresponding constituent elements may be omitted. However, even if the description of constituent elements is omitted, it does not mean that these constituent elements are not included in some embodiments.

[0030] The terminology used in this disclosure will be briefly described, and the disclosed embodiments will be specifically described. The terminology used in this specification is selected as widely used and common as possible, taking into account the functionality of the invention; however, these terms may be changed based on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in specific cases, terms arbitrarily chosen by the applicant may be used; in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure are not merely name names, but should be defined based on their meanings and the entirety of this disclosure.

[0031] In this disclosure, unless explicitly specified in the context as singular, the expression of singular includes the expression of plural. Conversely, unless explicitly specified in the context as plural, the expression of plural includes the expression of singular.

[0032] In this disclosure, when a part is described as including a certain constituent element, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it means that other constituent elements may be included, rather than excluded.

[0033] In this disclosure, the upper part of the figure may be referred to as the "upper part" or "upper side" of the configuration shown in the figure, and the lower part may be referred to as the "lower part" or "lower side". Furthermore, in the figures, the portion between the upper and lower parts of the illustrated configuration, or the remaining portion excluding the upper and lower parts, may be referred to as the "side" or "lateral side". These relative terms such as "upper part", "upper side", etc., are used to describe the relationship between the configurations shown in the figures, and this disclosure is not limited by these terms.

[0034] In this disclosure, the direction toward the interior space of a structure can be referred to as "inner side" and the direction protruding toward the open external space can be referred to as "outer side". These relative terms such as "inner side", "outer side", etc. are used to describe the relationship between the components shown in the figures, and this disclosure is not limited by these terms.

[0035] In this disclosure, the reference to “A and / or B” means A, or B, or A and B.

[0036] In this disclosure, when referring to the connection between one part and another part, this includes not only the case of a direct connection, but also the case of a connection through other components.

[0037] Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the terms "module" or "section" refer to a software or hardware component that performs a certain function. However, this does not mean that "module" or "section" is limited to software or hardware. A "module" or "section" can be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or to run on one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a "module" or "section" can include at least one of the following: software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components; processes; functions; attributes; programs; subroutines; fragments of program code; drivers; firmware; microcode; circuits; data; databases; data structures; tables; arrays; or variables. The functionality provided internally by components and "modules" or "sections" can be combined into smaller components and "modules" or "sections" or can be further separated into additional components and "modules" or "sections".

[0038] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, as well as the methods for implementing them, will be described by reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments described below become clear. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in many different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure the completeness of this disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram 100 showing the configuration of an oral scanner 110 connected to an oral three-dimensional (3D) modeling and visualization system 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] For example, the oral scanner 110 can be inserted into the oral cavity of a dental patient by a dental professional to scan the teeth and capture multiple two-dimensional images in a non-contact manner. Furthermore, the oral scanner 110 can transmit the captured two-dimensional images to the system 120, or it can automatically perform three-dimensional modeling of the oral cavity structure based on the two-dimensional image data.

[0041] The dental scanner 110 can be connected to the system 120 via a network that communicates in a wired or wireless manner. The network can be configured according to the installation environment as follows: a wired network such as an electrical connection cable with copper wire, Ethernet, Power Line Communication, telephone line communication devices, and RS-serial communication; a wireless network such as a mobile communication network, Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee, or a combination thereof.

[0042] The dental scanner 110 can exchange information and / or data such as two-dimensional image data and three-dimensional oral cavity structure model data with the system 120. As shown in the figure, the dental scanner 110 and the system 120 can be physically separated, but are not limited to this. For example, the dental scanner 110 and the system 120 can be integrated into a single computing device.

[0043] System 120 can perform three-dimensional oral cavity structure modeling by analyzing at least two two-dimensional image data or stereo images obtained from oral scanner 110. To perform this function, system 120 can be a computing device including: a processor (e.g., CPU, GPU, etc.) capable of performing image processing and three-dimensional modeling; and a memory capable of storing two-dimensional image data or three-dimensional oral cavity structure model data. In one embodiment, as shown, system 120 includes a communication unit 122, a control unit 124, and a display unit 126. Communication unit 122 can be configured to send / receive information and / or data with oral scanner 110. Specifically, communication unit 122 can send command signals from control unit 124 to oral scanner 110 and can receive image information of the target oral cavity structure from oral scanner 110.

[0044] The control unit 124 can control the oral scanner 110 to capture images of the target oral cavity structure. Specifically, the control unit 124 can control the light source unit (e.g., located inside the oral scanner 110) to... Figure 2 (220) Illuminates light onto at least one of the multiple optical systems. Furthermore, the control unit 124 can also control the image sensor unit (e.g., located inside the oral scanner 110) to... Figure 2 The control unit 124 can control the image sensor unit to acquire two stereoscopic images from the image of the detected light. The control unit 124 can also control the display unit 126 to display the two stereoscopic images acquired from the image sensor unit. Furthermore, the control unit 124 can also control the display unit 126 to visualize oral cavity structure model data calculated from the two stereoscopic images.

[0045] Display unit 126 can display information and / or data received from oral scanner 110 or control unit 124 in an image format. In this case, the image displayed on display unit 126 may include two stereoscopic images or an image of a three-dimensional oral cavity structure model. In one embodiment, display unit 126 may include a display panel device such as an LED display, OLED display, LCD display, touch screen, etc.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an oral scanner 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the oral scanner 200 may include a housing 210, a light source 220, a first optical system 240, second optical systems 230 and 250, and an image sensor 260.

[0047] The housing 210 forms the exterior of the oral scanner 200, and the housing can be configured to internally house the light source unit 220, the first optical system 240, the second optical systems 230 and 250, and the image sensor unit 260. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the housing 210 can be a trapezoidal box extending in approximately any length direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the housing 210 can be formed as a right parallelepiped, cylindrical, streamlined, or any shape suitable for insertion into the oral cavity.

[0048] An opening 212 may be formed at one end of the housing 210. Specifically, the opening 212 may include an opening formed at one end of the housing 210. In this case, the opening 212 may be configured to allow light generated or reflected inside the housing 210 to illuminate the outside, and to allow external light to enter the interior of the housing 210. In one embodiment, when the oral scanner 200 is inserted into the oral cavity, the opening 212 may be configured to be located at the innermost part of the oral cavity.

[0049] The light source 220 can be configured to illuminate the opening 212. In this case, the light illuminated by the light source 220 can be equivalent to patterned light or structured light. The pattern of the light can be a linear texture, a dot pattern, or any other type of pattern. When the patterned light illuminates an object 270, such as a tooth, inside the oral cavity, the pattern deforms according to the three-dimensional structure of the surface of the object 270. Therefore, the deformation or positional information of the pattern formed on the surface of the object 270 can be used to identify and model the three-dimensional structure of the object 270.

[0050] The light source 220 may be disposed at the other end of the housing 210. Specifically, the light source 220 may be accommodated and disposed at the other end of the housing 210, which is opposite to the end of the housing 210 that forms the opening 212. For example, the light source 220 may be fixedly disposed at the upper part of the other end of the housing 210.

[0051] In one embodiment, the light source 220 may be disposed at the end of one end of the housing 210, but is not limited thereto. For example, the light source 220 may be disposed at any intermediate location between one end and the other end of the housing 210. That is, the light source 220 may be disposed at any location within the housing 210 that facilitates the illumination of light onto the opening 212. In one embodiment, the light source 220 may be spaced apart from the first reflector 230 at an appropriate distance to facilitate scanning. For example, the light source 220 may be configured to be as close as possible to the first reflector 230.

[0052] The first optical system 240 may be configured to reflect light irradiated by the light source 220 toward the irradiated object 270, and to reflect light reflected by the irradiated object 270 toward the light source 220 or the second optical systems 230 and 250. The first optical system 240 may include at least one reflective element. For example, the first optical system 240 may be at least one mirror. In one embodiment, the first optical system 240 may be disposed on or around the opening 212. For example, the first optical system may be fixedly disposed on the inner side of the opening 212.

[0053] The second optical systems 230 and 250 can be configured to reflect the light reflected by the first optical system 240. Specifically, the second optical systems 230 and 250 can reflect the light reflected by the first optical system 240 toward the image sensor unit 260. In this case, the second optical systems 230 and 250 can reflect the light more than once.

[0054] The second optical systems 230 and 250 can be configured between the light source unit 220 and the first optical system 240. Specifically, the light source unit 220 and the first optical system 240 can be fixedly configured at the two ends of the internal space of the housing 210, and the second optical systems 230 and 250 can be fixedly configured at any position in the middle.

[0055] In one embodiment, a gap (or light path) is formed at the center of the second optical systems 230 and 250, allowing light from the light source 220 to pass through the gap and reach the first optical system 240. In another embodiment, when no gap is formed at the center of the second optical systems 230 and 250, light from the light source 220 can bypass the second optical systems 230 and 250 and reach the first optical system 240.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the second optical systems 230 and 250 may include a first reflective portion 230 and a second reflective portion 250. The first reflective portion 230 may be configured to reflect light reflected by the first optical system 240. The first reflective portion 230 may be fixedly disposed on the upper inner side of the housing 210. In one embodiment, the first reflective portion 230 may include two reflective surfaces 232 and 234. The two reflective surfaces 232 and 234 can reflect the light reflected by the first optical system 240 toward the second reflective portion 250. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the two reflective surfaces 232 and 234, so that light irradiated by the light source portion 220 can reach the first optical system 240 through the gap.

[0057] The second reflector 250 can be configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector 230 toward the image sensor 260. The second reflector 250 can be fixedly disposed on the lower inner side of the housing 210. In one embodiment, the second reflector 250 may include two reflective surfaces 252 and 254. The two reflective surfaces 252 and 254 can reflect the light reflected by the first reflector 230 toward the image sensor 260.

[0058] In one embodiment, the positions and / or orientations of the two reflecting surfaces 252 and 254 of the second reflecting portion 250 can be appropriately set to prevent the overlap of two images of the illuminated object 270 reflected by the two reflecting surfaces 252 and 254 of the second reflecting portion 250 and detected by the image sensor portion 260. For example, the two images detected by the image sensor portion 260 from the light reflected by the two reflecting surfaces 252 and 254 of the second reflecting portion 250 may each include a phase of the illuminated object 270. In this case, the positions and / or orientations of the two reflecting surfaces 252 and 254 can be set to prevent the overlap of the two phases of the illuminated object 270 detected by the image sensor portion 260.

[0059] In one embodiment, the drive unit for adjusting the angle of the first optical system 240 or the second optical systems 230, 250 may not be installed inside the housing 210. In this case, since it is not necessary to arrange other electronic or mechanical components in the area where the first optical system 240 and the second optical systems 230, 250 are arranged inside the housing, the components inside the housing can be arranged compactly. As a result, since the housing 210 can be optimally structured by the compact design of the first optical system 240 and the second optical systems 230, 250, a small-volume oral scanner 200 with free intraoral scanning operation can be realized.

[0060] The orientations of the normal vectors of the reflecting surfaces 232 and 234 of the first reflecting part 230 and the reflecting surfaces 232 and 234 of the second reflecting part 250 can be appropriately adjusted so that the light reflected from the irradiated object 270 is guided to the image sensor part 260. In one embodiment, the dihedral angle formed by the infinitely extending planes of the reflecting surfaces 232 and 234 of the first reflecting part 230 can be a minor angle, i.e., an angle less than 180 degrees, and the dihedral angle formed by the infinitely extending planes of the reflecting surfaces 252 and 254 of the second reflecting part 250 can be a major angle, i.e., an angle greater than 180 degrees. In another embodiment, the dihedral angle formed by the infinitely extending planes of the reflecting surfaces 232 and 234 of the first reflecting part 230 can be a major angle, and the dihedral angle formed by the infinitely extending planes of the reflecting surfaces 252 and 254 of the second reflecting part 250 can be a minor angle.

[0061] Image sensor unit 260 can be configured to detect light reflected from second optical systems 230 and 250. In one embodiment, image sensor unit 260 can be configured to obtain two stereoscopic images from the light reflected from second optical systems 230 and 250. Specifically, image sensor unit 260 can simultaneously obtain images of two lights reflected by the two reflecting surfaces 252 and 254 of second reflecting unit 250. As described above, the oral scanner 200 includes second optical systems 230 and 250 having multiple reflecting surfaces 232, 234, 252, and 254, thus two stereoscopic images can be obtained using only one image sensor unit 260. The two stereoscopic images obtained from image sensor unit 260 can be used for subsequent 3D oral cavity structure modeling executed by a processor.

[0062] In one embodiment, the image sensor unit 260 may be disposed at the other end of the housing 210. Specifically, the image sensor unit 260 may be accommodated and disposed at the other end of the inner side of the housing 210, opposite to the housing 210 forming the opening 212. For example, the image sensor unit 260 may be fixedly disposed in the lower inner part of the housing 210 adjacent to the light source unit 220.

[0063] As described above, the first reflective portion 230 is fixedly disposed on the upper inner side of the housing 210, and the second reflective portion 250 is fixedly disposed on the lower inner side of the housing 210, but this is not a limitation. For example, the first reflective portion 230 may be fixedly disposed on the lower inner side of the housing 210, and the second reflective portion 250 may be fixedly disposed on the upper inner side of the housing 210. In this case, the light source portion 220 may be fixedly disposed on the lower part of the other end of the inner side of the housing 210, and the image sensor portion 260 may be disposed on the upper inner side of the housing 210 adjacent to the light source portion 220.

[0064] Figure 3This is a perspective side view of an oral scanner 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (The following will be omitted: [The rest of the text is missing - likely referring to further details about the scanner and its features.]) Figure 3 The structure shown is related to Figure 2 The structure shown corresponds to the description of the structure.

[0065] In one embodiment, light can be irradiated by the light source 220 and pass through the gap in the first reflector 230. The light passing through the gap in the first reflector 230 can be reflected by the first optical system 240 towards the irradiated object. In this case, light can pass through the opening formed on one side of the opening 212. The light reflected by the irradiated object can be reflected by the first optical system 240 towards the first reflector 230. The light reflected by the first reflector 230 can be reflected by the second reflector 250 towards the image sensor 260.

[0066] Furthermore, the oral scanner 200 can acquire an image of the irradiated body using light irradiated by an auxiliary light source (instead of the light source unit 220). For example, light irradiated by an auxiliary light source provided on the oral scanner 200 or by an external auxiliary light source can be reflected onto the irradiated body and reach the first optical system 240. The light reflected by the first optical system 240 can be reflected sequentially by the first reflector 230 and the second reflector 250 and reach the image sensor unit 260.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an oral scanner 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. (The remaining text will be omitted.) Figure 4 The structure shown is related to Figure 2 The description of the corresponding parts of the structure shown. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the oral scanner 400 may include a housing 410, a light source 420, a first optical system 460, a second optical system 430, and an image sensor 470.

[0068] The second optical system 430 can reflect the light reflected by the first optical system 460 toward the image sensor unit 470. In this case, the second optical system 430 can reflect the light more than once.

[0069] The second optical system 430 can be configured between the light source unit 420 and the first optical system 460. Specifically, the light source unit 420 and the first optical system 460 can be fixedly configured at the two ends of the internal space of the housing 410, and the second optical system can be fixedly configured at any position in the middle.

[0070] and Figure 2 The second optical systems 230 and 250 are different; the second optical system 430 may include a pair of prisms. For example... Figure 4As shown, the second optical system 430 may include a first prism 440 and a second prism 450.

[0071] In one embodiment, a gap (or light path) is formed between the first prism 440 and the second prism 450, allowing light irradiated by the light source 420 to pass through the gap and reach the first optical system 460. In another embodiment, when no gap is formed between the first prism 440 and the second prism 450, light irradiated by the light source 420 can bypass the second optical system 430 and reach the first optical system 460.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the first prism 440 may include a pair of opposing reflective surfaces 442 and 444, and the second prism 450 may include a pair of opposing reflective surfaces 452 and 454. In one embodiment, the upper reflective surface 442 of the first prism 440 and the upper reflective surface 452 of the second prism 450 can respectively reflect the light reflected by the first optical system 460 toward the lower reflective surface 444 of the first prism 440 and the lower reflective surface 454 of the second prism 450. Furthermore, the lower reflective surface 444 of the first prism 440 and the lower reflective surface 454 of the second prism 450 can respectively reflect the light reflected by the upper reflective surfaces 442 of the first prism 440 and the upper reflective surface 452 of the second prism 450 toward the image sensor unit 470. Therefore, the light reflected by the first optical system 460 can reach the image sensor unit 470 by being reflected by a pair of opposing reflective surfaces 442 and 444 of the first prism 440 and a pair of opposing reflective surfaces 452 and 454 of the second prism 450.

[0073] In one embodiment, the positions and / or orientations of the lower reflecting surface 444 of the first prism 440 and the lower reflecting surface 454 of the second prism 450 are appropriately configured to prevent the overlapping of phases of two illuminated objects reflected by the two lower reflecting surfaces 444 and 454 and detected by the image sensor unit 470. For example, the two phases detected by the image sensor 470 from the light reflected by the two lower reflecting surfaces 444 and 454 may each include the phase of one illuminated object. In this case, the positions and / or orientations of the two lower reflecting surfaces 444 and 454 can be configured to prevent the overlapping of the two phases of the illuminated objects detected by the image sensor unit 470.

[0074] The orientations of the normal vectors of the reflecting surfaces 442 and 444 of the first prism 440 and the reflecting surfaces 452 and 454 of the second prism 450 can be appropriately adjusted to guide the light reflected from the irradiated object to the image sensor unit 470. In one embodiment, the dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of one side of the reflecting surface 442 of the first prism 440 and the infinitely extending plane of one side of the reflecting surface 452 of the second prism 450 can be a minor angle, and the dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the reflecting surface 444 of the first prism 440 and the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the reflecting surface 454 of the second prism 450 can be a major angle. In another embodiment, the dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of one side of the reflecting surface 442 of the first prism 440 and the infinitely extending plane of one side of the reflecting surface 452 of the second prism 450 can be a major angle, and the dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the reflecting surface 444 of the first prism 440 and the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the reflecting surface 454 of the second prism 450 can be a minor angle.

[0075] As described above, by using a pair of prisms 440 and 450 to implement the second optical system 430, the configuration structure and design of the second optical system inside the housing 410 can be further optimized. That is, compared with the case of using multiple reflectors or mirrors inside the housing 410 to implement the second optical system, using a pair of prisms to implement the second optical system simplifies the structure for configuring or fixing the second optical system inside the housing 410, thereby making the structure inside the housing 410 more compact.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a perspective side view of an oral scanner 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. (The following will be omitted: [The rest of the text is missing - likely referring to further details about the scanner and its features.]) Figure 5 The structure shown is related to Figure 2 and Figure 4 Explanation of the corresponding parts of the structure shown.

[0077] In one embodiment, light can be emitted from the light source unit 420 and pass through the gap between the first prism 440 and the second prism 450. The light passing through the gap can be reflected by the first optical system 460 towards the irradiated object. In this case, the light can pass through the opening formed on one side of the opening 412. The light reflected by the irradiated object can be reflected by the first optical system 460 towards the second optical system 430. The light reflected by the upper reflective surfaces of the first prism 440 and the second prism 450 can be reflected by the lower reflective surfaces of the first prism 440 and the second prism 450 towards the image sensor unit 470.

[0078] Furthermore, the oral scanner 400 can acquire an image of the irradiated body using light irradiated by an additional light source (instead of the light source unit 420). For example, light irradiated by an additional light source or an external light source provided on the oral scanner 400 can be reflected onto the irradiated body and reach the first optical system 460. The light reflected by the first optical system 460 can be reflected sequentially by the upper and lower reflective surfaces of the second optical system 430 and reach the image sensor unit 470.

[0079] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications, alterations, and additions within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions should be considered as part of the claims.

[0080] Those skilled in the art can make various substitutions, modifications, and alterations without departing from the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings.

Claims

1. An oral scanner, comprising: The shell has an opening at one end; A light source is disposed at the other end of the housing and irradiates light onto the opening; A first optical system is disposed at the opening, which reflects the light irradiated by the light source toward the irradiated object and reflects the light reflected by the irradiated object toward the light source. A second optical system is disposed between the light source and the first optical system, and reflects the light reflected by the first optical system; as well as The image sensor unit detects the light reflected by the second optical system. The second optical system includes: A first reflective element is configured to reflect light reflected by the first optical system in the direction toward the light source; and The second reflector is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector toward the image sensor. A gap is formed between the two reflective surfaces of the first reflective part, so that the light irradiated by the light source part passes through the gap to reach the first optical system.

2. The oral scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two reflective surfaces of the first reflective part are configured such that the dihedral angle between their respective infinitely extending planes forms a minor angle; The second reflective part includes two reflective surfaces, which are configured such that the dihedral angle between their respective infinitely extending planes forms an acuminate angle.

3. The oral scanner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positions and orientations of the two reflective surfaces of the second reflective part are set such that the two images of the irradiated object reflected by the two reflective surfaces of the second reflective part and detected by the image sensor part do not overlap.

4. The oral scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reflective part includes a reflecting surface on one side of a first prism and a reflecting surface on one side of a second prism. The second reflective portion includes a reflective surface of the first prism opposite to the one-side reflective surface, and a reflective surface of the second prism opposite to the one-side reflective surface. The light irradiated by the light source passes through the gap formed between the first prism and the second prism and reaches the first optical system. The light reflected by the first optical system is reflected by a pair of opposing reflective surfaces of the first prism and a pair of opposing reflective surfaces of the second prism and reaches the image sensor unit.

5. The oral scanner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of one side of the first prism and the infinitely extending plane of one side of the second prism forms a minor angle, while the dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the first prism and the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the second prism forms a major angle.

6. The oral scanner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The positions and orientations of the other side reflecting surfaces of the first prism and the second prism are set such that the two images of the irradiated object reflected by the two other side reflecting surfaces and detected by the image sensor do not overlap.

7. The oral scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source is configured to illuminate patterned light or structured light.

8. The oral scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image sensor unit is configured to obtain two stereo images from the image of light reflected from the second optical system.

9. An oral scanner, comprising: The shell has an opening at one end; A light source is disposed at the other end of the housing and irradiates light onto the opening; A first optical system is disposed at the opening and configured to reflect light irradiated by the light source toward the irradiated object and to reflect light reflected by the irradiated object toward the light source. A second optical system is disposed between the light source and the first optical system and is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first optical system. as well as The image sensor unit detects the light reflected by the second optical system. The second optical system includes: The first reflective part is configured to reflect light reflected by the first optical system in the direction toward the light source part; as well as The second reflector is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector toward the image sensor. The first reflective portion includes two reflective surfaces, which are configured such that the dihedral angle between their respective infinitely extending planes forms a minor angle. The second reflective portion includes two reflective surfaces configured such that the dihedral angle between their respective infinitely extending planes forms an anomalous angle.

10. The oral scanner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The positions and orientations of the two reflective surfaces of the second reflective part are set such that the two images of the irradiated object reflected by the two reflective surfaces and detected by the image sensor part do not overlap.

11. An oral scanner, comprising: The shell has an opening at one end; A light source is disposed at the other end of the housing and irradiates light onto the opening; A first optical system is disposed at the opening and configured to reflect light irradiated by the light source toward the irradiated object and to reflect light reflected by the irradiated object toward the light source. A second optical system is disposed between the light source and the first optical system and is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first optical system. as well as The image sensor unit is configured to detect light reflected by the second optical system. The second optical system includes: A first reflective element is configured to reflect light reflected by the first optical system in the direction toward the light source; and The second reflector is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector toward the image sensor. The first reflective portion includes two reflective surfaces, which are configured such that the dihedral angle between their respective infinitely extending planes forms an abscissa. The second reflective portion includes two reflective surfaces configured such that the dihedral angle between their respective infinitely extending planes forms a minor angle.

12. The oral scanner according to claim 11, characterized in that, The positions and orientations of the two reflective surfaces of the second reflective part are set such that the two images of the irradiated object reflected by the two reflective surfaces of the second reflective part and detected by the image sensor part do not overlap.

13. An oral scanner, comprising: The shell has an opening at one end; A light source is disposed at the other end of the housing and irradiates light onto the opening; A first optical system is disposed at the opening and configured to reflect light irradiated by the light source toward the irradiated object and to reflect light reflected by the irradiated object toward the light source. A second optical system is disposed between the light source and the first optical system and is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first optical system. as well as The image sensor unit is configured to detect light reflected by the second optical system. The second optical system includes a first prism and a second prism. The light emitted by the light source is configured to pass through the gap formed between the first prism and the second prism and reach the first optical system. The light reflected by the first optical system is configured to be reflected by a pair of opposing reflective surfaces of the first prism and a pair of opposing reflective surfaces of the second prism and reach the image sensor unit. The dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of one side of the first prism and the infinitely extending plane of one side of the second prism forms an anomalous angle, and the dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the first prism and the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the second prism forms a minor angle.

14. The oral scanner according to claim 13, characterized in that, The positions and orientations of the other side reflecting surfaces of the first prism and the second prism are set such that the two images of the irradiated object reflected by the two other side reflecting surfaces and detected by the image sensor do not overlap.

15. An oral scanner, comprising: The shell has an opening at one end; A light source is disposed at the other end of the housing and irradiates light onto the opening; A first optical system is disposed at the opening and configured to reflect light irradiated by the light source toward the irradiated object and to reflect light reflected by the irradiated object toward the light source. A second optical system is disposed between the light source and the first optical system and is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first optical system. as well as The image sensor unit is configured to detect light reflected by the second optical system. The second optical system includes a first prism and a second prism. The light emitted from the light source is configured to pass through the gap formed between the first prism and the second prism and reach the first optical system. The light reflected by the first optical system is reflected by a pair of opposing reflective surfaces of the first prism and a pair of opposing reflective surfaces of the second prism and reaches the image sensor unit. The dihedral angle between the infinitely extended plane of one side of the first prism and the infinitely extended plane of one side of the second prism forms a minor angle. The dihedral angle between the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the first prism and the infinitely extending plane of the other side of the second prism forms an anomalous angle.

16. The oral scanner according to claim 15, characterized in that, The positions and orientations of the other side reflecting surfaces of the first prism and the second prism are set such that the two images of the irradiated object reflected by the two other side reflecting surfaces and detected by the image sensor do not overlap.

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