Dental Model Scanning Camera with Positioning Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for scanning tooth models face challenges in accurately positioning and scanning complex dental structures, particularly in capturing the relative arrangement of multiple teeth or dental prostheses due to shadowing effects and the need for precise positioning.

Innovation Solution

A device equipped with a camera and adjustment aids, such as markings and illumination, to facilitate the positioning of tooth models, combined with a holding device that allows flexible arrangement and scanning of sawtooth models, enabling both overview and detailed scans of individual teeth or model parts, and utilizing a phase shift scanning method to capture the shape and relative position of dental components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a camera is added to facilitate positioning of tooth models, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning of tooth modelVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A camera is introduced as an intermediary device to capture images of the tooth model and base plate, providing visual feedback to the operator. This mediator enables precise positioning by showing the relative arrangement, thereby improving ease of operation without fundamentally altering the core scanning mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera provides visual feedback by capturing images that display the actual position of the tooth model on the base plate. This feedback loop allows the operator to adjust the positioning based on the captured image, improving ease of operation through real-time visual guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If markings are provided on the base plate for positioning reference, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidbase plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Markings are provided on the base plate in the form of colored or visually distinct patterns that can be easily captured by the camera. These markings serve as reference points for determining the position and orientation of the tooth model, improving measurement precision through enhanced visual contrast and recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is mounted on a movable cover, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera positioning flexibilityVSAvoidcover mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is mounted on a cover that can be moved between different positions (open and closed states). This dynamic mounting allows the camera to adapt to different scanning scenarios - positioned to capture the entire model when open, or focused on specific areas when closed, thereby improving adaptability through positional flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable cover serves multiple functions: it protects the scanning area, provides a mounting platform for the camera, and can be positioned in different states to accommodate various scanning requirements. This multi-functionality improves adaptability without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1820470B2Device for scanning a tooth model
Publication Date: 2012.06.13 INSTITUT STRAUMANN AG
  • EP1820470B2 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP1820470B2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2e
  • EP1820470B2 patent drawingFigure 2f~3a

AI summary

The device (1) has an optical scanning system (2) provided with a scanning field (3). A camera (41) is provided for taking images of tooth models. The camera is arranged at the scanning field in defined position. Information is indicated/displayed in an image representation of the images such that necessary corrections of the positioning of the tooth models on a carrier (5) are recognized. A holder arranged in the carrier holds the tooth models.