Dental 3D Scanning Rotation Layout for Faster Full-Side Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional desktop dental scanners require manual intervention for repositioning dental objects to capture data from different sides, leading to inefficient and time-consuming scanning processes, especially for complex structures like dental impressions.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional optical scanning system that rotates a scanning station and an imaging unit around predefined static relative positions to capture 2D images, optimizing overlap and reducing the number of images needed, with automatic scanning and data processing capabilities, including machine learning for determining optimal positions based on dental object type and characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional desktop scanners are used to scan dental objects from different sides, then complete dental information can be acquired, but manual repositioning is required and scanning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rotation of the scanning station around a first axis and dynamic rotation of the imaging unit around an imaging unit axis, allowing the system to automatically capture images from multiple angles without manual repositioning. This dynamic positioning enables complete dental information acquisition while significantly reducing scanning time compared to static conventional scanners.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically rotating the scanning station and imaging unit to predefined static relative positions, capturing images from multiple sides of the dental object without requiring manual user intervention for repositioning. This automation eliminates the time-consuming manual operations required by conventional scanners.
2Measurement precision
If multiple two-dimensional images are acquired from different sides to generate reliable 3D representation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manual operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs coordinated rotation mechanisms where the scanning station rotates around a first axis and the imaging unit rotates around an imaging unit axis, enabling the system to automatically position itself at predefined static relative positions. This dynamic coordination captures images from multiple angles for accurate 3D reconstruction while managing system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system integrates multiple functions into a single automated process: the scanning station rotation, the imaging unit rotation, image capture at predefined positions, and 3D representation generation. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision while avoiding the need for separate manual operations for each scanning angle.
3Ease of operation
If manual repositioning is performed to scan different sides of dental objects, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to lengthy scanning procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual repositioning operations with automated rotation mechanisms. The scanning station automatically rotates around a first axis and the imaging unit automatically rotates around an imaging unit axis, capturing images at predefined static relative positions without user intervention. This self-service automation maintains operational simplicity while dramatically increasing scanning productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical repositioning operations with automated rotational mechanisms controlled by a computer system. Instead of manually moving the dental object or scanner components, the system uses programmed rotation of the scanning station and imaging unit to achieve the same scanning objectives with higher productivity.
4Loss of time
If scanning station and imaging unit rotate around predefined static relative positions, then scanning time is reduced and automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements coordinated rotation systems where the scanning station rotates around a first axis and the imaging unit rotates around an imaging unit axis. These dynamic rotation mechanisms enable the system to quickly position itself at predefined static relative positions, reducing scanning time while managing complexity through automated control and predefined positioning sequences.
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
The system significantly reduces scanning time and data processing requirements, ensuring accurate and efficient generation of 3D digital representations with minimal manual intervention and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The light reflected in response to the illumination, corresponding to the 2D images, is acquired at a camera of the dental scanner
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional optical scanning system for scanning a three-dimensional dental object, the system including a first scanning station configured to receive a first three-dimensional dental object, and further configured to rotate around a first axis during the scanning; and an imaging unit including at least one camera and configured to rotate around an imaging unit axis during the scanning, wherein the optical scanning system is configured such that the imaging unit acquires a plurality of two-dimensional images of the first three-dimensional dental object corresponding to a set of predefined static relative positions between the imaging unit and the first scanning station for generating a first three-dimensional digital representation of the first three-dimensional dental object.