Dental Intraoral Scanner Shadow Casting Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intra-oral scanning methods face challenges in accurately determining the three-dimensional geometry of teeth without using penetrating radiation or structured light, and existing technologies may struggle with the precision and cost-effectiveness of capturing detailed tooth surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize shadows cast by objects within the oral cavity to determine the 3D geometry of teeth by illuminating and imaging these shadows, processing the images to calculate the location and shape of tooth surfaces, and constructing a 3D model using multiple images and reference features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional intra-oral scanning methods use penetrating radiation or structured light, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shadow-casting function from complex structured light systems and penetrating radiation devices, using only a simple light emitter and imager to capture shadow patterns. This separates the essential measurement function from unnecessary complexity, achieving accurate tooth geometry measurement without expensive structured light projectors or radiation sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (shadows) of the tooth surface geometry using a simple light emitter instead of directly measuring with complex sensors. The shadow patterns serve as optical replicas of the tooth surface, which can be captured by basic imagers and processed to reconstruct 3D geometry, replacing the need for sophisticated direct measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If advanced scanning technologies are used to capture detailed tooth surfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, durable specialized scanning components with inexpensive, readily available consumer-grade imagers and simple light emitters. Although these components are less robust than medical-grade equipment, they provide sufficient precision for dental applications at a fraction of the cost, making the system economically viable for widespread adoption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from direct geometric measurement using specialized sensors to indirect optical measurement using shadow patterns. This parameter change allows the use of standard imagers with different resolution and sensitivity characteristics, significantly reducing hardware costs while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational processing.
3Ease of operation
If portable scanning devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D shadow patterns captured by portable imagers to 3D tooth geometry reconstruction through computational processing. By capturing multiple shadow patterns from different angles and using mathematical algorithms to reconstruct the third dimension, the system achieves accurate 3D measurements despite using simple 2D image sensors in a portable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between the simple portable imager and the final measurement result. These processing algorithms compensate for the limitations of portable hardware by correcting optical distortions, enhancing shadow pattern recognition, and reconstructing accurate 3D geometry from 2D images, thereby bridging the gap between portability and precision.
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 precise and cost-effective 3D modeling of teeth without the need for penetrating radiation or structured light, enabling accurate measurement of tooth geometry and sub-gingival structures while being more affordable and portable than traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
casting a shadow on the portion of the tooth by an object between the emitter and the tooth
Implementation Method 2
imaging the portion of the tooth, including at least a part of the shadow
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided according to some embodiments, a system, device and method for a three dimensional (3D) intraoral scanning of at least a portion of a tooth. An intraoral scanner may include a shadow casting object extending between a light emitter and the portion of the tooth. An imaging module may image the portion of the tooth and/or the projected shadow of the shadow casting object. A method to construct a 3D model may include illuminating at least a portion of the tooth with a light emitter; casting a shadow on the portion of the tooth by an object located between the emitter and the tooth; imaging the portion of the tooth, including at least a part of the shadow; and determining a location of a point on the tooth and related to the shadow, using the image.