Dental Device Surface Texture Estimation via Focus Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental scanning technologies often fail to capture the fine three-dimensional surface texture of teeth, resulting in incomplete information for dental technicians to create natural-looking restorations, as they primarily capture the overall shape rather than the detailed surface features of teeth.
Innovation Solution
A dental device with an array of individually controllable light sources and an optics system captures a sequence of images under varying light conditions, comparing pixel intensities to estimate the surface texture of teeth, and converts this information into normal vector data for enhanced 3D modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dental scanning technologies are used, then the overall shape of teeth can be captured, but the fine three-dimensional surface texture of teeth is not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D surface scanning to 3D surface texture capture by introducing depth information through focus variation. The system measures surface height variations in the third dimension (depth/focus dimension) to reconstruct fine surface texture, converting a 2D imaging problem into a 3D measurement problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the focus parameter of the optical system to capture surface texture information. By varying the focus distance and measuring how different surface regions come into focus at different depths, the system extracts fine surface texture details that are invisible to conventional fixed-focus scanning systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional scanning systems capture only overall shape, then the scanning process is simple, but incomplete information is obtained for creating natural-looking restorations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the scanning system by adding depth/focus variation measurement capability to the conventional 2D imaging system. This dimensional enhancement allows capture of surface height variations and fine texture details, providing complete geometric information needed for precision restoration manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical contact scanning methods with optical focus variation measurement. Instead of physically touching or mechanically scanning the tooth surface, the system uses optical focus changes to infer surface topology, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement capability.
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 method provides more accurate and detailed surface texture information, enabling the creation of realistic tooth restorations by capturing subtle changes in tooth surface height and orientation, improving the precision of dental models and restorations.
Implementation Method 1
an optics device capable of capturing an image of a number of teeth... comparing pixel intensities between a first image and a second image
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for estimating a surface texture of a tooth are described herein. One method embodiment includes collecting a sequence of images utilizing multiple light conditions using an intra-oral imaging device and estimating the surface texture of the tooth based on the sequence of images.