3D Scanner Data Compensation for Non-Scan Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Three-dimensional scanners often produce incomplete models due to non-scan regions, particularly in horizontal and vertical directions, leading to low precision in dental analysis and orthodontic treatment objects.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a three-dimensional scanner with an optical projector and camera to detect non-scan regions and acquire compensated scan shots by adjusting the direction and angle of the target object, merging these with initial scan shots to generate a complete three-dimensional model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a three-dimensional scanner scans a target object using light in a horizontal stripe pattern, then the scanning process is completed efficiently, but a horizontal non-scan region occurs in the three-dimensional model resulting in incomplete data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidhorizontal non-scan region
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by switching from horizontal stripe pattern scanning to vertical stripe pattern scanning. This changes the scanning dimension from horizontal to vertical, allowing the scanner to capture data in the previously missed horizontal non-scan region. The vertical stripe pattern projects light lines vertically, enabling the camera to capture horizontal contour information that was inaccessible during horizontal scanning, thus filling the information gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inversion by reversing the scanning approach. Instead of continuing with horizontal stripe patterns, the system inverts the scanning strategy by using vertical stripe patterns. This inverted approach scans from the vertical direction to capture horizontal features, effectively compensating for the non-scan regions created by the initial horizontal scanning method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a three-dimensional scanner scans a target object using light in a vertical stripe pattern, then the scanning process is completed efficiently, but a vertical non-scan region occurs in the three-dimensional model resulting in incomplete data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidvertical non-scan region
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by switching from vertical stripe pattern scanning to horizontal stripe pattern scanning. This changes the scanning dimension from vertical to horizontal, allowing the scanner to capture data in the previously missed vertical non-scan region. The horizontal stripe pattern projects light lines horizontally, enabling the camera to capture vertical contour information that was inaccessible during vertical scanning, thus filling the information gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inversion by reversing the scanning approach. Instead of continuing with vertical stripe patterns, the system inverts the scanning strategy by using horizontal stripe patterns. This inverted approach scans from the horizontal direction to capture vertical features, effectively compensating for the non-scan regions created by the initial vertical scanning method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a limited number of scan shots are acquired from a predetermined angle and direction in a table-type three-dimensional scanner, then the scanning process is simplified, but non-scan regions occur in specific scan shots reducing model completeness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning process complexityVSAvoidnon-scan region
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing a preliminary scan with a fixed preset pattern to identify non-scan regions, then using this information to guide a second scanning phase. The system first acquires initial scan shots with predetermined patterns, detects the non-scan regions, and then selectively scans only the problematic areas with adjusted patterns or angles, rather than performing complete rescans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback by using the results of the initial scan to inform and adjust the second scanning phase. The system detects non-scan regions from the first scan and uses this feedback to modify the scanning parameters (pattern orientation, angle, or position) for the second scan, ensuring that the subsequent scanning efforts are targeted at the specific areas that need compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If the direction and angle for scanning are preset in a table-type three-dimensional scanner, then the operation is simplified, but non-scan regions cannot be compensated without setting new directions and angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning operation simplicityVSAvoidnon-scan region
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scanning system adaptable and flexible. Instead of using fixed preset patterns throughout, the system dynamically adjusts the scanning pattern (horizontal or vertical stripes), angle, and position based on the detected non-scan regions. The scanner can switch between different scanning modes and reposition itself to target specific problem areas, transforming a static preset system into a dynamic adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying scanning parameters such as pattern orientation (horizontal/vertical), scanning angle, and position based on the detected non-scan regions. The system changes these parameters selectively for the second scanning phase to target the specific areas that were missed, rather than maintaining fixed preset parameters throughout the entire scanning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Minimizes non-scan regions, improving the completion level of three-dimensional models, enabling precise dental analysis and optimal orthodontic treatment planning.

Implementation Method 1

The three-dimensional scanner may emit light, forming a predetermined shape, to the target object when scanning the target object to generate a three-dimensional model three-dimensionally representing the target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Implementation Method 2

The light may form a specific pattern in order to acquire depth information for three-dimensionally representing the target object as a three-dimensional model

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12373982B2Method of compensating data and system for compensating data using same
Publication Date: 2025.07.29 MEDIT CORP
  • US12373982B2 patent drawing
  • US12373982B2 patent drawing
  • US12373982B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Proposed is a method of compensating data, the method including: acquiring a plurality of initial scan shots by scanning a target object onto which a predetermined pattern is projected; detecting a non-scan region on the basis of the plurality of initial scan shots; and acquiring at least one compensated scan shot by additionally scanning at least one portion of the target object when the non-scan region is detected.