3D oral imaging system and method

Abstract

An intraoral imaging system and method is provided for obtaining dental impression scans by having one or more imaging strips with illumination elements and imaging sensors positioned along the contours of various surfaces of the dental tray to capture images of the lips, teeth, and gums of the mouth. Fluid channels are provided interconnecting a vacuum source or a source of overpressure air to an opening on the dental tray near the imaging sensor to reduce condensation on the imaging sensor. Extraoral extensions may also be provided to obtain images of the outer regions of the lips. Additionally, two dental trays of the present invention may be stacked together to allow the entire mouth to be scanned at once. A lamp is provided on the lower dental tray in a stacked configuration to obtain relative jaw position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 324,980, entitled "Three-Dimensional Oral Imaging System and Method," filed May 19, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of oral scanning, and in particular to systems and methods for using a dental tray device for intraoral and extraoral scanning. [Background technology]

[0003] Numerous processes have been implemented to obtain dental impressions for the purpose of comfortable-fitting, functional, and cosmetically attractive dental restorations. Information obtained from such processes is typically used to plan dental surgery and to obtain a better understanding of orthodontic movement. Analog techniques typically involve taking impressions using elastic materials, but these techniques have the disadvantages of substantial discomfort to the user and increased procedure time. Digital intraoral scanning (IOS) technology offers numerous advantages over traditional analog techniques, including the ability to obtain three-dimensional (3D) digital impressions through imaging with greater precision, greater strength, and user comfort. And 3D digital impressions can be manufactured through reverse engineering procedures using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

[0004] Two common types of digital IOS devices that have been implemented are scanner wands and benchtop scanners. Scanner wands provide a compact and lightweight method for acquiring 3D images, but come with a number of inherent disadvantages, such as errors in the 3D image as a result of movement between the source and target, or discomfort to the person being scanned. Benchtop scanners are bulkier alternatives to scanner wands, but usually consist of two cameras or sensors mounted on a rotation mechanism, where the object being scanned is rotated on several axes, allowing the scanner to accurately capture details from several perspectives. Several alternative intraoral devices have been described that attempt to overcome these problems posed by scanner wands and benchtop scanners. However, these devices often present other notable problems, such as difficulty in detecting deep margin lines on prepared teeth, and problems resulting from condensation on the lens if bleeding occurs. There is a need for lightweight and compact digital IOS devices and methods that can acquire high-resolution 3D images of teeth, lips, and gums in a timely manner and with minimal discomfort. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an intraoral imaging system and method for scanning intraoral and extraoral regions of the mouth. In a preferred embodiment, the intraoral imaging system includes a dental tray with one or more imaging strips positioned on various surfaces. Each imaging strip has an illumination strip extending along its length to provide light to the region of the mouth being scanned. Each imaging strip is also equipped with one or more imaging sensors to obtain images of the region of the mouth being scanned, each imaging sensor positioned adjacent to and along the illumination strip in a configuration that may be either extended or contracted, and either coincident or alternating. In a coincident configuration, the imaging sensors are positioned directly opposite each other on either side of each illumination strip. In an alternating configuration, the imaging sensors are positioned diagonally opposite each other on either side of each illumination strip.

[0006] It is a feature of the present invention that suction or air channels positioned along the edges of the imaging strip and adjacent to the imaging sensor significantly reduce the amount of moisture that condenses or remains condensed on the imaging sensor while the dental tray is in the mouth.

[0007] It is a feature of the present invention to incorporate technology such as ultra-wide angle lenses, time-of-flight cameras, one or more polarized lenses for the imaging sensors used herein, or similar features, to reduce the need for powders to reduce tooth reflectivity when taking dental impressions.

[0008] It is a feature of the present invention that the extraoral extension is reversibly attachable to the handle of the dental tray, thereby allowing the outer lip area to be scanned simultaneously with the inner mouth area.

[0009] It is a feature of the invention that two mounted dental trays may be used in a stacked configuration to scan the entire oral region of a user at one time. For embodiments with two dental trays in a stacked configuration, it is a further feature of the invention that a removable triangular ramp placed on the fitting surface of the lower or mandibular tray compartment allows the mandible and associated condyles to be efficiently and effectively positioned, positioned, and oriented toward a centric (CR), repeatable, and reliable position used for recording the jaw relationship. It is a further feature of the invention that diffuse movement data may be obtained by placing accelerometers or other relationship data sensors on the dental tray and any teeth, gums, or dental structures, moving the mandible open, closed, and left and right relative to an initial jaw position, taking multiple images, and comparing the relationship data.

[0010] It is a feature of the present invention that during operation of the intra-oral imaging system, the position and orientation of the imaging sensor and illumination strip remain substantially stationary relative to the intra-oral features being imaged through lens-based optical image stabilization, thereby enabling improved image capture over wands and other non-static devices.

[0011] It is a feature of the invention that the imaging strips contemplated herein are manufactured using a flexible printed circuit board, allowing the imaging strip to curve and conform to the U-shape of the mouth. The inventors contemplate manufacturing the flexible printed circuit board for the imaging strip with a thin insulating polymer film to which the conductive circuit patterns are affixed and which is provided with a thin polymer coating to protect the conductor circuitry, in addition to a power connection to the tray itself for providing energy to the sensors and lenses along the strip where digital impressions need to be taken.

[0012] It is a feature of the present invention that digital dental impression data is obtained with high accuracy and short scan times while also reducing patient discomfort. The present invention can utilize various image processing techniques, is energy efficient, and exhibits a high degree of reusability, all of which may contribute to reducing the overall cost of producing physical models of dental impressions.

[0013] It is a feature of the present invention that it provides a set of data sufficient to take image and digital dental impression data, convert them into a visual representation on a display, and provide a three-dimensional representation of the patient's upper and lower teeth, as well as information about the patient's jaw.

[0014] Embodiments include one, more, or any combination of all of the above-listed features. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an oral cavity imaging system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1B illustrates a top view of the dental tray shown in FIG. 1A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1B illustrates a side view of the dental tray shown in FIG. 1A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an alternative intraoral imaging system according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the system being in a stacked configuration, with each dental tray incorporating an extraoral extension; [Figure 2B] 2B illustrates a top view of the dental tray shown in FIG. 2A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] 2B illustrates a side view of the dental tray shown in FIG. 2A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2D] 1 shows a perspective view of an extraoral attachment according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2E] 2A-2C according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a close-up top view of a section of an imaging strip in a contracted mating configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a section of the imaging strip shown in FIG. 3A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of an imaging strip for generating intraoral images using an extended matching configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of an imaging strip for generating intraoral images using a condensed alternating configuration in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4C] 1 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of an imaging strip for generating intraoral images using an extended alternating configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an alternative intraoral imaging system in a stacked configuration with a lamp integrated into the lower dental tray according to an example embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5B] 5B illustrates a bottom view of the lower dental tray of FIG. 5A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] 5B illustrates a side view of the dental tray shown in FIG. 5A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of an intraoral imaging system consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of an image acquisition method consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of an image processing module consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below in the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description provides a detailed overview for a complete understanding of these embodiments and to enable the description of these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be practiced without specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. In this description, terms such as "upper", "lower", "upper", "lower", "inner" and "outer" should be understood to refer to the orientation in the description or illustration under consideration. These terms are used for convenience of description and do not require that the system or components of the system must be operated in a specific orientation.

[0017] FIG 1A is a top perspective view of an oral imaging system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG 1B shows a top view of the dental tray 10 shown in FIG 1A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG 1C shows a side view of the dental tray 10 shown in FIG 1A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The oral imaging system 100 may include a dental tray 10 equipped with one or more imaging strips 20, a handle 41 extending from the dental tray 10, and a first communication link 83 between the dental tray 10 and a computing device 80. The dental trays 10 for the lower and upper dental areas may each be defined by a generally U-shaped groove formed to at least partially surround the patient's teeth and gums, such that the U-shaped groove comprises an inner wall 11 having an inner inner surface 11a and an inner outer surface 11b, an outer wall 12 having an outer inner surface 12a and an outer outer surface 12b, and a base 13 interconnecting the inner wall 11 and the outer wall 12 and having a base inner surface 13a and a base outer surface 13b.

[0018] The imaging strips 20 may be directly attached to or incorporated into any one or more of the inner surfaces 11a, 12a, or 13a or the outer exterior surface 12b, with each imaging strip 20 oriented generally lengthwise parallel to the curvature of the corresponding inner surface 11a, 12a, 13a, or 12b. The computing device 80 may include a power source 81, a computer readable storage medium 82, and a processor 85, and the storage medium 82 may include a control module 91 and an image processing module 92. The imaging strip 20 or a printed circuit board 25 housed within the body of the dental tray 10 transmits and receives electrical or imaging signals between the imaging strip 20 and the computing device 80 via a first communication link 83, which may be a transmission cable or a wireless transceiver. Images and other information acquired or generated by the imaging system 100 may be communicated to a visual display for viewing. The power source 81 provides power to the dental tray and / or computing device 80 components.

[0019] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of an alternative intraoral imaging system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 being in a stacked configuration, with each dental tray 10 incorporating an extraoral extension 15. FIG. 2B shows a top view of the dental tray 10 shown in FIG. 2A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C shows a side view of the dental tray 10 shown in FIG. 2A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of an extraoral attachment 15 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2E shows a side cross-sectional view in a first longitudinal central plane 1 of the dental tray 10 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] In this example embodiment, two dental trays 10 are in a stacked configuration with the base outer surface 13b of the upper dental tray 10 positioned adjacent to the base outer surface 13b of the lower dental tray 10 about the second longitudinal central plane 2, and each dental tray 10 has an extraoral extension 15 to allow both upper and lower, inner and outer compartments of the mouth to be scanned and imaged simultaneously. If the user also desires to scan outside the mouth, the extraoral extension 15 reversibly fastens to the dental tray 10 adjacent the handle 41. The extraoral extension 15 may comprise an extraoral elongate portion 16, a clip member 17, and one or more imaging strips 20. The clip member 17 is inserted into a receiving member positioned within the volume of each dental tray 10 adjacent each handle 41. The extraoral elongated portion 16 has an extending inner surface 16a and is designed to be positioned closer to the lips or extraoral area of ​​the user by curving toward each dental tray 10 with increasing distance from the first longitudinal central plane 1. The dental tray 10 for the upper dental area may further comprise a central inner platform 14 connecting the two opposite sides of the inner wall 11.

[0021] In this example embodiment, additional imaging strips 20 may be directly attached to or incorporated into any one or more of surfaces 12b or 16a, with each imaging strip 20 oriented parallel to the corresponding surface of either 12b or 16a or generally longitudinally within the palate compartment of dental tray 10. Each type of imaging strip 20 is manufactured to substantially match the contours of the corresponding surface 11a, 12a, 12b, 13a, or 16a. The imaging strips 20 may be securely fastened to the inner inner surface 11a to generate intraoral images of the inner gums and inside of the teeth, or inner oral structures. The imaging strips 20 may be securely fastened to the outer inner surface 12a to generate intraoral images of the outside of the teeth and outer gums, or outer oral structures. The imaging strips 20 may be securely fastened to the base inner surface 13a to generate intraoral images of the crowns and lower gums, or lower oral structures. The image strip 20 may be securely fastened to the outer exterior surface 12b to generate an image of the oral cavity inside the lips. The image strip 20 may be securely fastened to the extension interior surface 16a to generate an image of the oral cavity outside the lips.

[0022] Additionally, the oral imaging system 100 may further include a second communication link 84 between the computing device 80 and the second dental tray 10 for transmitting and receiving electrical or imaging signals between the imaging strip 20 on the second dental tray 10 and the computing device 80.

[0023] In some embodiments, any of the dental trays 10 may further comprise an internal power source 51, an internal memory 52, or an internal processor 53. It is contemplated that the internal power source 51 may include a button cell battery located on or within the handle 41 of the dental tray 10, a rechargeable battery powered by an induction coil located on the exterior surface of the handle 41 or within the handle 41 of the dental tray 10 that may be in sufficient physical contact with another induction coil on the flat surface of the charging base station, a rechargeable battery that is rechargeable by one or more external charging connections on the surface of the dental tray 10 that are in sufficient physical contact with a charging connection pin on the charging base station, where the dental tray is safely stored during the charging process, or a rechargeable battery that may be recharged by being connected to an external power source via a cable. The millimeter wave wireless receiver located in the handle 41 of the dental tray 10 may be wirelessly powered via a base station that broadcasts a corresponding signal to send wireless power to the receiver in the handle 41. The use of induction-based wireless charging is contemplated here since there is a smaller area where moisture can accumulate on the interior portion of the tray 10. In addition to the charging station, a possible base station may include means for sterilizing the dental tray 10 by one or more ultraviolet lights positioned above and around the dental tray 10, or by activating a haptic tip on or near the receiving station, where cavitation and implosion are accomplished by ultrasonic agitation of the fluid or solvent within the charging station. The internal memory 52 may be a solid-state drive or other computer-readable storage medium capable of storing information from the lighting strip 20 prior to transmitting signals to the computing device 80. The internal processor 53 may be configured to process various forms of data between the computing device 80 and the internal memory 52.

[0024] FIG. 3A illustrates a close-up top view of a section of an imaging strip 20 in a contracted mating configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of section 4 of the imaging strip 20 shown in FIG. 3A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Each imaging strip 20 may comprise one or more illumination strips 21 and multiple imaging sensors 22 along the imaging strip 20 as an array. The illumination strip 21 may comprise multiple adjacently positioned individual light sources or may be a single continuous extension. The illumination strip 21 is configured to provide illumination to the area of ​​the mouth being imaged, and is typically a light emitting diode (LED), structured stripe light, laser, infrared light source, other coherent light source, or combinations thereof. The imaging sensor 22 is configured to capture images of the teeth and gum area of ​​the mouth and transmit the captured images to a computing device 80 via a printed circuit board 25 and communication links 83 and 84. A variety of imaging sensors 22 may be used, including but not limited to optical imaging sensors, time-of-flight sensors, laser sensors, blue CAM sensors, back-illuminated CMOS, 3D cameras, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and various other types of optical camera sensors, or combinations thereof. The imaging sensor 22 may also include lens-based optical imaging stabilization for more accurate imaging via an internal floating lens element within the sensor, which is electronically controlled to shift the lens in the opposite direction to the direction the lens moves. The inventors contemplate using one or more wide-angle imaging sensors along the imaging strip to capture multiple close-up images that may then be converted for clarity and integrated into a single 3D impression image that is later output to a display via imaging software. Additionally, it is contemplated that the imaging system 100 may be improved by including a hydrophobic coating on the exterior surface of the imaging sensor 22 to prevent fogging or condensation on the surface of the sensor 22.

[0025] The lighting strip 21 and the imaging sensor 22 may be directly attached between the first cover layer 23 and the second cover layer 24. The first cover layer 23 and the second cover layer 24 are fabricated from a polymer that protects the lighting strip 21 and the imaging sensor 22 from damage caused by friction and body fluids, and exhibits substantially high transparency and at least partial flexibility. The inventors contemplate using polyimide, polyester, or similar polymers in the imaging strip 20 as a base material for a flexible printed circuit board 25 that connects the imaging strip 20 to the power source 51 or 81, the lighting strip 21, the imaging sensor 22, or other electronic components. The first cover layer 23 provides a minimum imaging distance between the imaging sensor 22 and the imaging target, and exhibits substantially high light transmissivity. The second cover layer 24 houses the lighting strip 21, the imaging sensor 22, and the printed circuit board 25. In various embodiments, one or more of the imaging strips 20 each include one or more fluid collection channels 31 extending along a rear portion 35 of at least one lateral edge 36 of the imaging strip 20, each designed to communicate fluid from one or more air blow channels 32 to a vacuum. The fluid collection channels 31 may either have a round cross section or have holes along the length of each fluid collection channel 31, and may typically converge into a main fluid channel 37 located near and within the handle 41 of the dental tray 10 before terminating in a blower / vacuum line 42 or channel that attaches to an overpressure air supply or vacuum. The air blow channels 32 typically extend adjacent to and along the lateral edge 36 and communicate fluid from the air blow channel openings 33 to the fluid collection channels 31. In various embodiments, imaging strip 20 with airflow channel 32 may further include mesh 38 for filtering particles from entering airflow channel 32, with mesh 38 typically positioned at airflow channel opening 33. In various embodiments, imaging strip 20 may further include one or more heating elements 26 for applying heat to the air and surfaces of airflow channel 32, or first coating layer 23, or second coating layer 24. Heating elements 26 are typically positioned adjacent to and along airflow channel 32.

[0026] FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an imaging strip 20 for generating intraoral images using an extended match configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an imaging strip 20 for generating intraoral images using a contracted alternating configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an imaging strip 20 for generating intraoral images using an extended alternating configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention. A user may find it convenient to use any one of the extended match, extended alternating, contracted match, or contracted alternating configurations depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to the size of the mouth or the degree of heat dissipation from the illumination strip 21.

[0027] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an alternative intraoral imaging system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention, where the system 100 is in a stacked configuration and the lower dental tray 10 incorporates a ramp. FIG. 5B shows a bottom view of the lower dental tray 10 of FIG. 5A according to an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5C shows a side view of the dental tray 10 shown in FIG. 5 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment where two dental trays 10 are in a stacked configuration, the intraoral imaging system 100 may further include a ramp 43 to acquire the user's jaw position. The ramp 43 may take the form of a triangular or right-angled triangular pyramid and may be positioned on the base inner surface 13a of the lower dental tray 10. The ramp 43 may be sloped or angled toward the outer inner surface 12a near the plane 1. The ramp 43 is designed to align the user's mandible and maxilla toward the CR position when the lower anterior teeth contact and press against the lower dental tray 10. A three-dimensional digital scan of the jaw and a record of this position are useful in correlating and locating the 3D scanned model of the jaw to the exact CR position. This recorded CR position is a necessary record for the proper construction of the patient's simple and complex dental prostheses and oral rehabilitation. Clips 44 can be attached to the handles 41 of the stacked dental trays 10 to press the dental trays 10 firmly together and maintain the relative position and alignment of the dental trays 10. Other suitable methods of maintaining the relative position and alignment of the dental trays 10 in a stacked configuration include, but are not limited to, rails and rail inserts positioned on the base outer surface 13b of each dental tray 10, adhesive material applied to the base outer surface 13b of one or more dental trays 10, or manufacturing the dental trays 10 together as a single piece. In various embodiments, one or more dental trays 10 may further include one or more accelerometers 45 on one of surfaces 11a, 12a, or 13a, or directly on the imaging strip 20, or on any tooth, gum, or dental structure.

[0028] 6 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of the intraoral imaging system 100 consistent with embodiments of the present invention. The processor 85 may be configured to perform operations, tasks, or acts related to obtaining images using the imaging strip 20 on the dental tray 10, or further process images obtained by scanning the teeth and gum area into a digital dental impression. The computer-readable storage medium 82 may include modules, software, and algorithms that the processor 85 performs during steps of the image acquisition method 200. In the embodiments described herein, representative data may refer to tabulated data, graphical data, visual data, or functional relationships.

[0029] The control module 91 may include a blower / vacuum control 111 for controlling and adjusting the humidity and the degree of either reduced or increased pressure in the liquid collection channel 31, a lighting control 112 for controlling and adjusting the degree of illumination of the lighting strip 21, a camera image capture control 113 for controlling and adjusting the capture timing or rate of the imaging sensor 22, and a data transmission control 114 for controlling and adjusting the transmission of images and representative data from the dental tray 10 to the computing device 80.

[0030] The image processing module 92 may include instructions, tasks, or executable instructions related to processing the scan images or representative data into a digital dental impression. The images or representative data from the scanning step may be further processed using a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, color separation and rendering techniques, multiple 3D image capture techniques, position and related techniques, techniques using artificial intelligence, Gaussian smoothing techniques, image sharpening techniques, optical coherence tomography, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and triangulation techniques. Additionally, the image processing module 92 may include instructions, tasks, or executable instructions related to adjusting the relative position and orientation of the maxillary dental tray and the mandibular dental tray when two dental trays 10 are used simultaneously.

[0031] The image processing module 92 may include a still image capture module 94, a video capture module 95, or a real-time imaging module 96. The still image capture module 94 typically uses triangulation techniques to acquire images by firing intersecting light rays to identify a specific point in 3D space. Passive triangulation techniques involve the measurement of the distance of a target perpendicular to the interplanar media 23 and 24 from the distance (x) between the illumination strip 21 and each imaging sensor 22 along the interplanar media 23 and 24. (d) and the angle ( α ) and the angle ( β ) and Equation 1 may be used to calculate

[0032]

number

[0033] Furthermore, for embodiments in which the imaging sensor 22 is a fixed focus camera, Kematata The defocus may be quantified by Equation 2, where: ψ is the wavelength of the light coming from the lighting strip 21, r is the aperture measurement of the image sensor 22, JPEG2025508614000024.jpg1310 and JPEG2025508614000025.jpg1312 teeth , is the in-focus actual object distance from the image sensor 22.

[0034]

number

[0035] The video capture module 95 acquires images by emitting blue wavelength light directed at the teeth, gums, or dental structures that are detected by each individual imaging sensor 22 at different angles using active wavefront sampling technology. The captured video images may then be combined or stitched together into a 3D rendering using a variety of well-constructed techniques. The real-time imaging module 96 uses ultra-fast optical sectioning techniques to generate 3D images based on real-time geometric representative data.

[0036] 7 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of an image acquisition method 200 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. During use and operation of the intraoral imaging system, steps from the image acquisition method 200 may be performed to obtain a digital dental impression of a user's teeth and gums, as well as extraoral features of the mouth and lips. The image acquisition method 200 may include one or more calibration steps 210, which may include scanning a manufactured model of the teeth and gums and adjusting parameters of the scanned image data 150 to be set substantially equal to the calibrated model. The image acquisition method 200 may generally include one or more device placement steps (block 220), which may include inserting the implementation device 100 into the user's mouth. In embodiments where two dental trays 10 are in a stacked configuration, the image acquisition method 200 further includes measuring the relative bite or jaw position (Block 230) and movement envelope, the former typically performed by having the user bite the dental trays 10 together, and the latter typically performed by having the user move the lower jaw up, down, left, right, and diagonally within the dental tray 10 relative to an initial jaw position, and comparing with the initial jaw position data. The image acquisition method 200 may include controlling the degree of suction or blowing to affect moisture levels proximate the lighting strips 21 and imaging sensor 22 (Block 240).

[0037] The image capture method 200 may include one or more steps of controlling the range and timing of illumination of one or more lighting strips 21 (block 250). The image capture method 200 may include one or more steps of controlling the camera image capture timing of the imaging sensor 22 (block 260).

[0038] The image acquisition method 200 may include one or more image acquisition steps 270 for acquiring scanned image data 150 of a target area of ​​the patient's teeth and gums. During the image acquisition steps 270 of the implementation device 100, the position and orientation of the intraoral imaging system 100 is substantially stationary with respect to the intraoral features being imaged at a given time.

[0039] The image acquisition method 200 may include one or more steps of using the scan image data 150 and one or more of a variety of image processing techniques to generate digital dental impression data 160 (block 290). The 3D digital impression data 160 may then be used by suitable CAD and CAM software to generate a model of the user's teeth and gums.

[0040] 8 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of an image processing module 130 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. A capture sequence trigger 128 may initiate the image processing module 130 at the user's discretion and generate any combination of lighting and color capture data 131, multiple 3D image capture data 132, position and relationship data 133, triangulation data 134, or jaw data 135. Color separation data 136 may be generated from the lighting and color capture data 131 and used to generate symmetric color data 141 or color rendering reconstruction 144. The object color data 141 or 3D geometric correction data 150 may also be used to generate the color rendering reconstruction 144. The color rendering reconstruction 144 may also be used for geometric correction 145 or display rendering 147.

[0041] The multiple 3D image capture data 132 may be used to generate a 3D processing algorithm 137, which, along with a geometric correction 145, may be used to generate an object topography 142 that may be used to generate a 3D reconstruction 148. Position data 138 may be generated from the position and relationship data 133 or the triangulation data 134 and used to generate a triangulation of the 3D data rendering 143. Relationship data 139 generated from the triangulation data 134 or the jaw data 135 may also be used to generate a triangulation of the 3D data rendering 143. The triangulation of the 3D data rendering 143 may then be used to generate a 3D position reconstruction 146 of the maxilla and mandible, which may be sent to a 3D object store 152 or used in conjunction with the 3D reconstruction 148 to generate a 3D merge 149. The 3D merge 149 may be sent to a 3D object store 152 or to a display driver 151 and ultimately to a display 153. The data in the 3D object store 152 may be stored in a case database 154.

[0042] While particular embodiments of the invention have been described and disclosed herein, it will be apparent that any number of substitutions, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of the inventors to limit the invention herein, except as set forth in the claims.

[0043] Certain terms used when describing particular features or aspects of the invention should not be construed as implying that those words be redefined herein to limit them to any particular characteristic, feature, or aspect of the invention to which they relate. In general, the terms used in the claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, unless such terms are expressly defined in the Detailed Description section above. Thus, the actual scope of the invention includes not only the disclosed embodiments, but also any equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

[0044] The foregoing detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to be exhaustive and to limit the invention to the precise embodiments or configurations disclosed herein, or to the particular fields of use referred to in this disclosure. While specific embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the teachings of the present invention provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. Elements and acts of the various embodiments described above may be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0045] All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in an accompanying application, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the present invention can be modified, if desired, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references discussed above to provide further embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] In general, the terms used in the claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, unless such terms are expressly defined in the above detailed description. Thus, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

[0047] In light of the above "detailed description", the inventor may modify the invention. The detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, but regardless of how detailed the above appears in context, the invention may be implemented in many ways. Thus, the details of implementation may vary significantly and still fall within the spirit of the invention disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, certain terms used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be considered as redefined herein to be limited to any particular characteristic, feature, or aspect of the invention with which the term is associated.

Claims

1. a dental tray in the form of a U-channel configured to at least partially encircle the teeth and gums; one or more imaging strips, each comprising an illumination strip and a plurality of imaging sensors; and a handle extending from the dental tray.

2. The shape of the U-shaped groove is: an inner wall having an inner surface; an exterior wall having an exterior inner surface and an exterior outer surface; 10. The intraoral imaging system of claim 1, further comprising: a base having an inner base surface and an outer base surface, said base interconnecting said inner wall and said outer wall.

3. The intraoral imaging system of claim 2 , wherein the at least one imaging strip is adhered directly to or embedded within the inner inner surface, the outer inner surface, or the base inner surface.

4. 2. The intraoral imaging system of claim 1, further comprising: a computing device; and one or more communication links between the computing device and one or more of the dental trays, the communication links configured to transmit and receive imaging signals between the one or more imaging strips and the computing device.

5. The intraoral imaging system of claim 4 , wherein the computing device comprises a power source, a computer readable storage medium, and a processor, the storage medium comprising a control module and an image processing module.

6. The intraoral imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more illumination strips comprise a plurality of adjacently positioned individual light sources or a single continuous illumination extension.

7. The intraoral imaging system of claim 4 , wherein the one or more imaging sensors are configured to capture images of the teeth and gum area and transmit the images to the computing device.

8. 2. The intraoral imaging system of claim 1, wherein the imaging strip further comprises a first cover layer and a second cover layer, such that one or more illumination strips or imaging sensors are directly bonded between the first cover layer and the second cover layer.

9. At least one of the imaging strips comprises: one or more fluid collection channels extending along a rear portion of at least one lateral end of the imaging strip; 2. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more air flow channels extending adjacently along said lateral edges and designed to communicate fluid from one or more air flow channel openings to said fluid collection channels, each fluid collection channel designed to communicate fluid between one or more air flow channels and a vacuum or overpressure air source.

10. 10. The imaging system of claim 9, wherein at least one imaging strip comprises one or more meshes positioned in one or more air channel openings.

11. The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging sensors are configured in a reduced match configuration, a reduced alternating configuration, an extended match configuration, or an extended alternating configuration.

12. 2. The oral imaging system of claim 1, further comprising an outer extension, the outer extension comprising an extraoral elongated portion having an inner extension surface such that the extraoral elongated portion is designed to be positioned adjacent to a user's lips or extraoral area, and the outer extension is reversibly fastenable to the handle or the dental tray.

13. The intraoral imaging system of claim 12, further comprising one or more additional imaging strips adhered directly to or embedded within the inner surface of the extension portion, such that each of the additional imaging strips is oriented longitudinally parallel to the curvature of the inner surface of the extension portion.

14. The control module includes: humidity suction and blowing controls for controlling the humidity and the degree of either reduced pressure or increased pressure within one or more of said fluid collection channels; a lighting control for controlling the degree of illumination of the lighting strip; a camera image capture control for controlling a capture timing of the image sensor; The intra-oral imaging system of claim 5 , further comprising: a data transmission control for controlling the transmission of the representative data.

15. The image processing module includes: A still image capture module, a video capture module, or The intraoral imaging system of claim 5 further comprising a real-time imaging module.

16. 1. An oral cavity imaging system, comprising: a first dental tray and a second dental tray, each of which is in the form of a U-shaped channel formed to at least partially surround teeth and gums, such that the U-shaped channel comprises an inner wall having an inner inner surface and an inner outer surface, an outer wall having an outer inner surface and an outer outer surface, and a base having a base inner surface and a base outer surface, the base interconnecting the inner wall and the outer wall; the first dental tray and the second dental tray being arranged in a stacked configuration with a first outer base surface of the first dental tray disposed adjacent to a second outer base wall of the second dental tray; one or more imaging strips provided on each of the first dental tray and the second dental tray, each imaging strip comprising an illumination strip and a plurality of imaging sensors.

17. 17. The intraoral imaging system of claim 16, wherein one of the dental trays further comprises a lamp, the lamp being positioned on the inner base surface of one of the first dental tray or the second dental tray.

18. 17. The intraoral imaging system of claim 16, further comprising a clip attached to the handle to maintain a relative position or alignment of the dental tray.

19. 1. A method for scanning an image within a mouth area, comprising: placing one or two dental trays in the patient's mouth; acquiring scanned image data of one or more target areas of the mouth with one or more imaging sensors positioned along one or more surfaces of the dental tray.

20. calibrating the intraoral imaging system; Measuring a relative jaw position; controlling the degree of suction or blowing to affect humidity levels proximate one or more lighting strips or one or more imaging sensors; controlling the illumination intensity and timing of one or more lighting strips; controlling camera image capture timing of one or more imaging sensors; 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: generating digital dental impression data using the scanned image data.

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