Imaging system using light guide
By using a combination of multiple light guides and cameras, the problem of difficulty in acquiring multi-angle images of objects inside the oral cavity in existing technologies has been solved, achieving efficient 3D image generation that is suitable for dental imaging.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202280095751.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-24
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies struggle to effectively capture multiple images of objects inside the human mouth (such as teeth), especially in terms of image acquisition from different angles and positions.
A combination of multiple light guides and cameras is used. Visible light is transmitted to the cameras through the light guides, and multiple images of the object are captured by the multiple cameras. By fixing and moving the light receiver, and combining the relative position and orientation of the images, a three-dimensional image of the object is generated.
It enables efficient acquisition of images from multiple angles without moving the camera, generating accurate 3D images suitable for dental imaging within the human oral cavity.
Smart Images
Figure CN119173226A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Background technology]
[0001] Capturing an image of teeth within a patient's mouth typically involves positioning a camera near the patient's mouth and then taking a picture of the teeth with the camera. To capture a second image of the teeth, the camera may be moved to another location, and then the second image may be captured from that location with the camera. Systems and methods for more efficiently capturing multiple images of objects (e.g., teeth) within a human mouth are needed. [Summary of the invention]
[0002] A method, comprising: transmitting visible light from an object to M cameras respectively through M light guides, M being an integer greater than 1; and using the visible light to respectively capture M images of the object using the M cameras, wherein each of the M light guides comprises a light receiving end and a light emitting end, wherein the light emitting end of each light guide is optically coupled to a corresponding camera among the M cameras, and wherein, while performing the capturing of the M images, the M light receiving ends of the M light guides are stationary relative to each other.
[0003] On the one hand, while the capturing of the M images is performed, the M light emitting ends are respectively fixed to the M cameras.
[0004] In one aspect, while said capturing said M images is performed, said M cameras are fixed to each other.
[0005] In one aspect, the light emitting end of each of the M light guides is not fixed to the light receiving end of each light guide.
[0006] In one aspect, the method further includes: after performing the capturing of the M images, moving the M light receiving ends relative to the object; and then, using the M cameras to respectively capture M additional images of the object.
[0007] In one aspect, while the capturing of the M images is performed, the M light receiving ends are fixed to each other.
[0008] In one aspect, the M light guides are part of a clip or phone case that can be mounted to a phone.
[0009] In one aspect, no two of the M images are taken from the same angle.
[0010] In one aspect, the M images are taken simultaneously.
[0011] In one aspect, the method further comprises determining a 3D image of the object based on (A) the M images of the object and (B) relative positions and orientations of the M light receiving ends relative to each other when taking the M images.
[0012] In one aspect, each of the M light guides comprises one or more optical fibers.
[0013] In one aspect, the mobile phone includes the M cameras.
[0014] In one aspect, the light receiving end of each light guide comprises a lens.
[0015] In one aspect, the object is located within a human oral cavity.
[0016] In one aspect, the object is a tooth.
[0017] In one aspect, the M light receiving ends are configured to be inserted into a human mouth.
[0018] In one aspect, the method further includes transmitting illumination light to the object through an illumination cable while performing the capturing of M images of the object.
[0019] In one aspect, the lighting cable comprises one or more optical fibers.
[0020] The present invention discloses a system, which includes: M cameras, M is an integer greater than 1; and M light guides, which are optically coupled to the M cameras respectively, wherein each of the M light guides includes a light receiving end and a light emitting end, wherein the light emitting end of each light guide is optically coupled to a corresponding camera among the M cameras, wherein the M light guides are configured to transmit visible light from an object to the M cameras respectively, wherein the M cameras are configured to respectively capture M images of the object using the visible light, and wherein while the M cameras capture the M images, the M light receiving ends of the M light guides are stationary relative to each other.
[0021] On the one hand, while the M cameras are shooting the M images, the M light emitting ends are respectively fixed to the M cameras.
[0022] In one aspect, the M cameras are fixed to each other while the M cameras capture the M images.
[0023] In one aspect, the light emitting end of each of the M light guides is not fixed to the light receiving end of each light guide.
[0024] On the one hand, the M light receiving ends are configured to move relative to the object after the M cameras capture the M images, wherein the M cameras are configured to respectively capture M additional images of the object after the movement of the M light receiving ends.
[0025] In one aspect, while the M cameras capture the M images, the M light receiving ends are fixed to each other.
[0026] In one aspect, the M light guides are part of a clip or phone case that can be mounted to a phone.
[0027] In one aspect, no two of the M images are taken from the same angle.
[0028] In one aspect, the M cameras capture the M images simultaneously.
[0029] In one aspect, the system is configured to determine a 3D image of the object based on (A) the M images of the object and (B) the relative positions and orientations of the M light receiving ends relative to each other when the M images are taken.
[0030] In one aspect, each of the M light guides comprises one or more optical fibers.
[0031] In one aspect, the mobile phone includes the M cameras.
[0032] In one aspect, the light receiving end of each light guide comprises a lens.
[0033] In one aspect, the object is within a human oral cavity.
[0034] In one aspect, the object is a tooth.
[0035] In one aspect, the M light receiving ends are configured to be located within a human oral cavity.
[0036] In one aspect, the system further includes an illumination cable configured to transmit illumination light to the object.
[0037] In one aspect, the lighting cable comprises one or more optical fibers.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0038] Figure 1 An imaging system according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated.
[0039] Figure 2 A flow chart outlining the operation of an imaging system according to an embodiment is shown. [Specific implementation method]
[0040] Imaging System
[0041] Figure 1 An imaging system 100 according to an embodiment is schematically shown. In one embodiment, the imaging system 100 may include (A) two cameras 131 and 132, and (B) two light guides 101 and 102 optically coupled to the two cameras 131 and 132, respectively.
[0042] Camera
[0043] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 , each of the cameras 131 and 132 can capture an image of the object using visible light from the object.
[0044] Light Guide
[0045] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 Each of the light guides 101 and 102 may include a light receiving end and a light emitting end. Specifically, the light guide 101 may include a light receiving end 101r and a light emitting end 101x; the light guide 102 may include a light receiving end 102r and a light emitting end 102x.
[0046] In one embodiment, the light emitting end 101x of the light guide 101 can be optically coupled to the camera 131; and the light emitting end 102x of the light guide 102 can be optically coupled to the camera 132. In short, the light emitting end of each light guide is optically coupled to the corresponding camera. The light emitting end 101x of the light guide 101 can be physically fixed to the camera 131, and the light emitting end 102x of the light guide 102 can be physically fixed to the camera 132.
[0047] Connecting rod for light receiving end
[0048] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 , the imaging system 100 may further include a connecting rod 150 connecting the light receiving ends 101r and 102r to each other.
[0049] In one embodiment, the connecting rod 150 can keep the light receiving ends 101r and 102r stationary relative to each other. In other words, the connecting rod 150 fixes the light receiving ends 101r and 102r to each other. In other words, the connecting rod 150 keeps the relative positions and orientations of the light receiving ends 101r and 102r relative to each other unchanged.
[0050] In one embodiment, the connecting rod 150 may be adjusted to change the relative position and orientation of the light receiving ends 101r and 102r with respect to each other.
[0051] Operation of the imaging system
[0052] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1, imaging system 100 may operate as follows. Specifically, imaging system 100 may be positioned relative to object 190 such that visible light from object 190 is transmitted to cameras 131 and 132 through light guides 101 and 102, respectively.
[0053] In other words, a first photon of visible light from the object 190 is transmitted to the camera 131 through the light guide 101 (from the light receiving end 101r to the light emitting end 101x). Similarly, a second photon of visible light from the object 190 is transmitted to the camera 132 through the light guide 102 (from the light receiving end 102r to the light emitting end 102x).
[0054] In one embodiment, cameras 131 and 132 can respectively capture a first image and a second image of object 190 using visible light from object 190 that has passed through light guides 101 and 102. Specifically, camera 131 captures a first image of object 190 using first photons of visible light from object 190; camera 132 captures a second image of object 190 using second photons of visible light from object 190.
[0055] In one embodiment, the connecting rod 150 can keep the light receiving ends 101r and 102r stationary relative to each other while capturing the first image and the second image of the object 190. In other words, the connecting rod 150 keeps the light receiving ends 101r and 102r stationary relative to each other during the entire time period of capturing the first image and the second image of the object 190.
[0056] Flowchart outlining the operation of the imaging system
[0057] Figure 2 A flow chart 200 outlining the operation of the imaging system 100 is shown according to an embodiment.
[0058] In step 210, the operation may include transmitting the visible light from the object to M cameras through M light guides, where M is an integer greater than 1. For example, in the above embodiment, referring to Figure 1 , visible light from object 190 is transmitted to cameras 131 and 132 through light guides 101 and 102, respectively (here, M=2).
[0059] In step 220, the operation may include using visible light to use M cameras to respectively capture M images of the object. Figure 1 , cameras 131 and 132 use visible light from object 190 to capture a first image and a second image of object 190 respectively.
[0060] Also in step 220, each of the M light guides includes a light receiving end and a light emitting end. Figure 1 The light guide 101 includes a light receiving end 101r and a light emitting end 101x, and the light guide 102 includes a light receiving end 102r and a light emitting end 102x.
[0061] Also in step 220, the light emitting end of each light guide is optically coupled to a corresponding camera among the M cameras. Figure 1 The light emitting end 101 x of the light guide 101 is optically coupled to the camera 131 , and the light emitting end 102 x of the light guide 102 is optically coupled to the camera 132 .
[0062] Also in step 220, while performing the capturing of the M images, the M light receiving ends of the M light guides are stationary relative to each other. Figure 1 , while capturing the first image and the second image, the light receiving ends 101r and 102r of the light guides 101 and 102 are stationary relative to each other.
[0063] Other embodiments
[0064] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 In step 220, while performing the process of taking M images, the M light emitting ends may be fixed to the M cameras respectively. Figure 1 In one embodiment, while capturing the first image and the second image, the light emitting ends 101x and 102x may be fixed to the cameras 131 and 132, respectively.
[0065] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 In step 220, while performing the process of capturing the M images, the M cameras may be fixed to each other. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the cameras 131 and 132 may be fixed to each other while capturing the first image and the second image.
[0066] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 In step 220, the light emitting end of each light guide in the M light guides is not fixed to the light receiving end of each light guide. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the light emitting end 101 x of the light guide 101 is not fixed to the light receiving end 101 r of the light guide 101 ; the light emitting end 102 x of the light guide 102 is not fixed to the light receiving end 102 r of the light guide 102 .
[0067] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1After the cameras 131 and 132 respectively capture the first image and the second image of the object 190 as described above, the light receiving ends 101r and 102r may be moved relative to the object 190, and then the cameras 131 and 132 may respectively capture the third image and the fourth image of the object 190. In one embodiment, the manner of capturing the third image and the fourth image of the object 190 may be similar to the manner of capturing the first image and the second image of the object 190.
[0068] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 , the light guides 101 and 102 may be components of a clip (not shown) or a mobile phone case (not shown); and the mobile phone (not shown) may include cameras 131 and 132, so that when the clip or the mobile phone case is clipped to or attached to the mobile phone, the light emitting ends 101x and 102x of the light guides 101 and 102 are optically coupled with the cameras 131 and 132, respectively. As a result, the light guides 101 and 102 are components that can be mounted to a clip or a mobile phone case of a mobile phone.
[0069] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 In step 220, no two of the M images are taken from the same angle. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the light receiving ends 101r and 102r may be arranged so that the cameras 131 and 132 do not respectively capture the first image and the second image of the object 190 from the same angle.
[0070] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 Step 220, M images are taken simultaneously. Figure 1 In one embodiment, cameras 131 and 132 may respectively capture a first image and a second image of object 190 simultaneously.
[0071] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 After the cameras 131 and 132 capture the first image and the second image of the object 190, respectively, a 3D image of the object 190 may be determined based on (A) the first image and the second image of the object 190 and (B) the relative positions and orientations of the light receiving ends 101r and 102r relative to each other when the first image and the second image are captured. In one embodiment, the 3D image of the object 190 may be determined by the imaging system 100.
[0072] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 , each of the light guides 101 and 102 may include one or more optical fibers.
[0073] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 Each of the light receiving ends 101r and 102r may include a lens (not shown).
[0074] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 , the object 190 can be located in a human mouth (not shown). For example, the object 190 can be a tooth in a human mouth.
[0075] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 , the light guides 101 and 102 may be sized and shaped such that the light receiving ends 101r and 102r may be inserted into a human mouth. For example, the distance between the two light receiving ends 101r and 102r may be at most 2 cm, such that the light receiving ends 101r and 102r may be inserted into a human mouth.
[0076] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 , imaging system 100 may further include an illumination cable (not shown) configured to transmit illumination light to object 190 while cameras 131 and 132 respectively capture the first image and the second image of object 190. In one embodiment, the illumination cable may include one or more optical fibers.
[0077] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims
1. A method comprising: The visible light from the object is transmitted to M cameras through M light guides, where M is an integer greater than 1; as well as Using the visible light, using the M cameras to respectively capture M images of the object, Each of the M light guides includes a light receiving end and a light emitting end. wherein the light emitting end of each light guide is optically coupled to a corresponding camera among the M cameras, and Wherein, while the capturing of the M images is performed, the M light receiving ends of the M light guides are stationary relative to each other.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: While the step of capturing the M images is being executed, the M light emitting ends are respectively fixed to the M cameras.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: While performing the capturing of the M images, the M cameras are fixed to each other.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The light emitting end of each light guide of the M light guides is not fixed to the light receiving end of each light guide.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: After executing the capturing of the M images, moving the M light receiving ends relative to the object; Then Use the M cameras to respectively capture M additional images of the object.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: While the capturing of the M images is performed, the M light receiving ends are fixed to each other.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The M light guides are components that can be mounted to a clip or phone case of a mobile phone.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: No two of the M images are taken from the same angle.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The M images are taken simultaneously.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a 3D image of the object based on (A) the M images of the object and (B) relative positions and orientations of the M light receiving ends relative to each other when the M images are captured.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the M light guides includes one or more optical fibers.
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile phone includes the M cameras.
13. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The light receiving end of each light guide includes a lens.
14. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The object is located within the human oral cavity.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The object is a tooth.
16. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The M light receiving ends are configured to be inserted into a human oral cavity. 17 . The method according to claim 1 , further comprising transmitting illumination light to the object through an illumination cable while performing the capturing of M images of the object.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The lighting cable includes one or more optical fibers.
19. A system comprising: M cameras, where M is an integer greater than 1; as well as M light guides, optically coupled to the M cameras respectively, Each of the M light guides includes a light receiving end and a light emitting end. The light emitting end of each light guide is optically coupled to a corresponding camera among the M cameras. The M light guides are configured to transmit visible light from the object to the M cameras respectively. The M cameras are configured to respectively capture M images of the object using the visible light, and Wherein, while the M cameras are capturing the M images, the M light receiving ends of the M light guides are stationary relative to each other.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein: While the M cameras are shooting the M images, the M light emitting ends are respectively fixed to the M cameras.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein: While the M cameras capture the M images, the M cameras are fixed to each other.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein: The light emitting end of each light guide of the M light guides is not fixed to the light receiving end of each light guide.
23. The system according to claim 19, in, The M light receiving ends are configured to move relative to the object after the M cameras capture the M images, and The M cameras are configured to respectively capture M additional images of the object after the M light receiving ends move.
24. The system of claim 19, wherein: While the M cameras are capturing the M images, the M light receiving ends are fixed to each other.
25. The system of claim 19, wherein: The M light guides are components that can be mounted to a clip or phone case of a mobile phone.
26. The system of claim 19, wherein: No two of the M images are taken from the same angle.
27. The system of claim 19, wherein: The M cameras capture the M images simultaneously.
28. The system of claim 19, wherein: The system is configured to determine a 3-dimensional image of the object based on (A) the M images of the object and (B) relative positions and orientations of the M light receiving ends with respect to each other when the M images are taken.
29. The system of claim 19, wherein: Each of the M light guides includes one or more optical fibers.
30. The system of claim 19, wherein: The mobile phone includes the M cameras.
31. The system of claim 19, wherein: The light receiving end of each light guide includes a lens.
32. The system of claim 19, wherein: The object is located within the human oral cavity.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein: The object is a tooth.
34. The system of claim 19, wherein: The M light receiving ends are configured to be located in a human oral cavity.
35. The system of claim 19, further comprising an illumination cable configured to transmit illumination light to the object.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein: The lighting cable includes one or more optical fibers.