Confocal 3D Measurement Spectral Data Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining material characteristics, particularly optical properties, in the dental field require complex measuring techniques and are not easily adaptable for use with structurally simple devices, limiting their practicality and ease of handling.
Innovation Solution
A confocal 3D measuring system is used to determine spectrally resolved data, which is offset against reference data, applying a correction factor to improve signal-to-noise ratio and material differentiation, utilizing a highly diffusely scattering reference body like titanium dioxide, and incorporating additional non-confocal measurements for enhanced material property determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex measuring methods are used to determine material characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A reference body with known optical properties is introduced as an intermediary element. The reference body reflects light with characteristic spectral patterns that serve as a mediator between the incident light and the material being measured. By comparing the spectral reflection data of the test material against the reference body's known characteristics, accurate material identification is achieved without requiring complex measurement procedures or sophisticated device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a spectral signature copy of the reference body's optical characteristics and stores it in a database. Instead of directly measuring complex material properties, the system compares the spectral reflection pattern of the test material against the stored reference copy. This copying approach simplifies the measurement process while maintaining high identification accuracy, as the comparison is based on recognizable spectral patterns rather than complex multi-parameter measurements.
2Measurement precision
If confocal 3D measurement system is used to obtain spectrally resolved data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the spectral reflection characteristics from the complex confocal measurement data. By focusing only on the spectral signature information and separating it from the spatial and depth information, the system can identify materials based on their optical properties without requiring the full complexity of the confocal system to be actively utilized for material identification. The spectral data is extracted as a standalone identifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference body serves multiple functions: it provides spectral calibration, acts as an optical standard for comparison, and enables material identification across different materials. This multi-functional reference approach allows the system to handle diverse material types with a single standardized measurement protocol, reducing the need for material-specific measurement configurations and simplifying the overall system operation.
3Reliability
If multiple spectra are recorded at different distances, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by recording spectra at a limited number of predetermined distances rather than continuously scanning through all possible distances. The system selects optimal distance points where the signal is strongest and most characteristic, recording only those specific spectra needed for reliable material identification. This partial sampling approach maintains adequate signal-to-noise ratio while significantly reducing measurement time compared to comprehensive continuous scanning.
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
This approach allows for accurate and efficient determination of material properties, improving signal quality and enabling easy handling with simple devices, while providing detailed information for material characterization and differentiation in the dental field.
Implementation Method 1
a confocal color-dispersive 3D measurement system
Implementation Method 2
one made of a highly diffusely scattering material such as titanium dioxide or spectralon is used as the reference body
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for ascertaining material characteristics of an object, in particular optical properties of preferably semi-transparent objects. The aim of the invention is to obtain material characteristics without complex measuring methods. This is achieved in that spectrally resolved data from measured data of the object is calculated with spectrally resolved data of a reference body in order to ascertain the material characteristics, said measured data being ascertained with a confocal 3D measuring system.